In recent years, the fitness industry has been paying much more attention to stretching. As a result, many people have started wondering what exactly are the different types of stretches out there and how can they benefit them specifically?
Stretching increases flexibility, decreases the chance of injury and improves strength. It also helps you recover faster from your workout. There are several different types of stretches that can be performed either after your workout or as a standalone activity to increase flexibility and prevent injury.
Stay with me, I created the top 10 list that about the benefits of stretching that only a handful of people know. Below, you’ll find the top 5 benefits of stretching. Take note that the list is not in any ranking order. As ranking the benefits of stretching will depend on each individual.
The 5 Benefits Of Stretching
1. Stretching is good for your body
Stretching is a great way to relax after a long day. Besides being good for your health, it’s also an easy activity that you can do in just about any location, at any time of the day. The increase of muscle elasticity during the stretch, will increase the muscle’s flexibility right after the stretching. Which then, an increase of blood flow to the muscles.
2. It improves flexibility and balance
One of the best ways to improve your flexibility is by stretching. It’s a simple way to increase range-of-motion and can be done almost anywhere, especially if you have some basic equipment like yoga blocks or balls.
3. Stretching helps you recover from exercise more quickly
Stretching will help with your blood flow and muscle soreness. During a static stretch your body will reduce blood flow to the muscle, and then increases blood flow right after the stretch. Meaning your muscle will recover faster by increasing the delivery of nutrients while simultaneously removing metabolites.
The more blood flow of nutrients to the muscle group that was worked, will reduce the recovery time significantly.
4. Stretching reduces the risk of injury
Stretching will help loosen up any tight muscles you have.
Have you ever performed a movement you haven’t performed in a while and felt like you pulled a muscle.
For example, if you haven’t ran in a while then all of sudden you do a full sprint. You’ll feel like you pulled a hamstring. This is why it’s important to stretch before performing high intensity activities.
5. It can help improve posture
By stretching, you will lengthen tight muscles. It’s very important to keep your muscles loose. Stretching will help keep straighten up your alignment to your spine and will help reduce tensions to your lower back.
Stretching Tips That Will Help You:
Tip Number 1: Try your best to avoid sitting for long periods of time. If you find yourself sitting for too long, make you get up and stretch for about 5 to 10 minutes. Try to loosen your body up. When we sit for too long, our muscles tend to stiffen up.
Tip Number 2: As soon as you get up in the morning try and do some simple stretch exercises. Do 10 seconds of toe touches with 5 seconds rest then repeat. Do that about 3 to 5 times and you’ll feel alot better.
