Stretching

It can be confusing to think if stretching is something that is even important. Believe it or not, stretching is an important factor in your exercise regimen. There are many health benefits to stretching and how it can positively impact your life. I mean it always feels good once you do stretch those tight muscles…Here are 11 benefits to stretching:

1. Increases range of motion.

Helps you to maintain mobility

2. Decreases muscle stiffness.

Slow join degeneration 

3. Reduce risk of injury.

The more stretched and flexible the muscle, the less likely you’ll be injured, or pull a muscle.

4. Prevent post-workout pain.

After working out, stretching muscles helps keep them loose. When muscles are tight is when injuries occur. 

5. Improves posture.

Posture is one of those things we always try to be mindful of. Stretching helps keep your back and spine in better alignment which improves your overall posture.

6. Decrease stress.

Similar to working out to help alleviate stress, stretching is another form. When muscles are well stretched, there is less tension in the body.

7. Helps you Relax, and is relaxing. 

Tense muscles tend to cause tension to remain. This is due to muscles cutting off their own circulation, resulting in a lack of oxygen. Stretching helps your muscles to relax. Stretching can be relaxing post workout as well. It gives you a moment to calm heavy breathing from a hard workout, zone out and relax.

8. Improves overall performance.

A flexible joint is a happy joint. When the joints and muscles are happily stretched, it makes mobility easier.

9. Prepares the body for the stress of exercise.

Exercising can be hard on the body, so stretching prior, helps the body to tolerate the impact of activity. 

10. Promotes circulation.

Blood circulation is an important function of the body. Stretching helps increase the blood flow to your joints and muscles. 

11. Decreases low-back pain.

Lower-back pain is never fun, and can be debilitating. By stretching your muscles, it helps relieve pressure off the discs in the spine. 

 

By stretching regularly, it helps gain flexibility and mobility to have a pain-free body. Here are a few locations of the body you should stretch to gain these benefits:

• Shoulders
• Triceps 
• Lower back
• Hip joint & Seated (pelvic area)
• Hamstring & Calf
• Quadriceps

Final Thoughts:

Stretching is often an overlooked activity that is just as important as exercise. Stretching is something that can benefit your overall health and quality of life.