If you were asked what the most important things were for your health, what would your answer be? Would it include stretching?
While it may not seem like it, stretching and your flexibility are just as important as building muscle and improving your aerobic fitness. This is because stretching not only protects your mobility but your independence as you grow older. However, stretching is not as simple as it seems and it’s important for you to do the proper stretches at the proper times.
Proper Stretching
In general, there are two types of stretching: static and dynamic. Static stretching is where you hold a comfortable stretch for more than 10 seconds and is most beneficial after workouts. Dynamic stretching is where active movements cause muscles to stretch but the position isn’t held. Dynamic stretches are good for warming up the body before a workout as they get your muscles ready for movement.
While this may seem a bit convoluted, the benefits of regular stretching are too good to pass up. So let’s get right into it!
Benefits of Daily Stretching
1. Increases your flexibility
The most obvious benefit of stretching is that it keeps you flexible and limber. Even if you aren’t very flexible at the start, making sure you stay consistent and work on your stretches daily will gradually increase your flexibility. Even if you can’t make it everyday, stretching only 3 days a week will still garner you significant progress!
2. Increases blood flow
According to an article from the National Library of Medicine, stretching on a regular basis(at least 3 days a week) can improve your circulation. Having better blood flow is not only healthier for you, but also helps muscles recover faster and with less soreness!
3. Improves your posture
A study from the National Library of Medicine has shown that stretching combined with strengthening certain muscle groups can reduce musculoskeletal pain and encourage spinal alignment, improving your posture!
4. Increases your range of motion
Regularly stretching will increase your range of motion and give you more freedom of movement in your everyday life. Both dynamic and static stretching increase your range of motion but holding stretches at their limit will show the most immediate results.
5. Relieves your stress
When you’re stressed, your muscles naturally tense up and hold that tension throughout the day. However, when you stretch and focus on relaxing your muscles, your mind naturally relaxes as well. Focusing on high-tension areas such as the neck, shoulders, upper-back, and face are great ways to relieve your stress!
6. Improves your physical performance
Studies have shown that going through a dynamic stretching routine will prepare your muscles for activity and will improve your physical performance! Warming up your muscles also means that your risks of pulling or damaging your muscles and joints are lower!
Any type of stretching is beneficial but it’s important for you to do proper stretches at the proper time. While we encourage you to stretch daily, you only need to stretch 3 days a week at the minimum to see progress!
However, while stretching is good for your health and can relieve pain, if you are suffering from chronic pain or tightness, we encourage you to see a doctor or physical therapist. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, you can schedule one here on our website or you can call us at (929) 575-5656.
