The Benefits of Stretching
We keep telling you to stretch before and after exercise, until you’re probably sick of hearing about it. But why? Well, there are a whole host of benefits to stretching, and they’re not just limited to exercise. Here are seven reasons to make sure that proper stretching is a regular part of your routine.
1) Reduced risk of injury
Stretching warms up your muscles, increasing the range of motion, so they are less likely to be torn or strained during exercise. You are also less likely to experience pain or discomfort after exercise with a thorough warm up and cool down.
2) Increased flexibility
Flexibility not only improves your performance but is good for your overall health. Increasing your flexibility will also help to delay decreased mobility as you age.
3) Improved posture
Tight muscles, especially in the chest, back and hips, can cause poor posture, which can lead to pain or injury. Stretching keeps your body in better alignment and improves your posture.
4) Reduced stress
Your muscles tighten in response to physical and emotional stress, and many of us hold tension in our necks, shoulders and upper backs. Stretching these muscles helps to release the tension and helps you to relax. Stretching also provides an opportunity for a moment of mindfulness to calm your mind.
5) Increased circulation
Stretching improves blood flow to your muscles and joints, which enables them to get more oxygen and nutrients.
6) Enhanced performance
A flexible joint can move through a wider range of motion with less energy, so stretching makes your body more energy efficient. By preparing your muscles for exercise through stretches, you are improving your performance.
7) Fewer headaches
As a great many headaches are caused by tension, releasing that tension through stretching can reduce the number of headaches you experience.
If you’re interested in which stretches will suit you and want help putting a program together to compliment your activity habits, give us a call on 02 9922 6806. We’d offer to do the warm up on your behalf, but that’d be a stretch! See what we did there?
Uploaded : 23 July 2021
Updated : 7 April 2022
