We have all done it before. It’s easy to set stretching on the bottom of your priority list. It’s common to think that a quick stretch of your groin and calves is sufficient. It is just something to be done if you have a few extra minutes to spare before or after sweating out some distance on the treadmill. The main focus and goal is to exercise, why should we care about stretching right?
Why Should I Stretch?
Not so fast. Although studies about the benefits of stretching are mixed, stretching may help you improve your joint range of motion, which in turn may help improve your athletic performance and decrease your risk of injury. Understand why stretching can help and how to stretch correctly.
- Improves flexibility – Being flexible is beneficial for everyday life. It allows you to push your body beyond its comfort zone, thus increasing your overall physical ability.
- Improves the range of motion in your joints – This provides better balance, which will help keep you mobile and less susceptible to falls.
- Improves circulation – Stretching increases the blood flow to your muscles, thus improving your circulation.
- Relieves stress – Stretching relaxes tense muscles that often accompany stress. This helps relax the mind as well.
- Injury prevention and recovery – Stretching helps condition the muscles and joints, thus helping to prevent injuries and reduce recovery time.
- Improves posture and technique– Stretching prevents muscles and joints from seizing up and improves elasticity, allowing better posture and technique.
And it doesn’t just end there…
- Increased length of relaxed muscles
- Increased power and elasticity of our muscles
- Increased endurance and metabolism
- Assist in achieving better coordination, muscle control and proper technique in sport
- Enable your body to perform more with less energy
It simply feels good!