Why You Should Do More Stretching
When it comes to fitness, flexibility is one of the five main components. For this reason, stretching should be an integral part of any workout program you might be doing. In fact, stretching regularly has many proven benefits, and that’s exactly what we’ll be talking about today: why you should stretch more.
Increasing Range of Motion
Stretching on a regular basis can help you improve your range of motion. This might also slow the degeneration of your joints and decrease muscle stiffness.
Reducing Risk of Injury
Flexible muscles are much less likely to become injured if you make a sudden move. With stretching, you increase the range of motion in particular joints, which will decrease the resistance on your body’s muscles during many activities.
Relieving Post-Workout Aches and Pains
After doing an intense or difficult workout, stretching your muscles helps keep them loose, lessening the shortening and tightening effect that might lead to post-workout aches and pains.
Improving Posture
Stretching the muscles in your lower back, shoulders, and chest will help you keep your back in better alignment. This will, in turn, improve your posture.
Reducing or Manage Stress
Muscles that have been stretched hold less tension which can help you feel less stressed. Not to mention, muscles that are chronically tense can cut off their own circulation, resulting in a lack of oxygen and essential nutrients. Stretching will allow your muscles to relax properly.
Promoting Circulation
Doing some stretching will increase the blood supply to your muscles and joints. This allows greater nutrient transportation and it improves the circulation of blood through your whole body.
Decreasing Risk of Lower Back Pain
Having flexibility in the hamstrings, hip flexors, and the other muscles attached to the pelvis relieves stress on the lumbar spine. This reduces the risk of having lower back pain.
