4 Benefits Of Stretching
Stretching is an important component of fitness that a lot of us tend to skip or forget about. You may think that the act of stretching is only performed by high-level athletes or yoga enthusiasts, but in reality, we all need to stretch in order to protect our mobility. Stretching keeps your muscles strong, flexible, and healthy to allow for an adequate range of motion in your joints. Without it, your muscles will become short and tight making them too weak and unable to extend all the way. That puts you at risk for muscle damage, strains, and joint pain. Read on to learn about the benefits of stretching and how to start your own stretching routine.
Benefits Of Stretching
Improved Flexibility
Flexibility is the range of motion of a joint, or group of joints. Regular stretching can improve your flexibility, both short-term and long-term. To lengthen the muscles and improve your range of motion long-term, it is recommended that you stretch diligently at least five days per week. Increasing your flexibility will benefit you not only during your workout, but in your everyday life as well. Although you may not realize it, there are a lot of daily tasks that require flexibility. Getting in and out of your car, picking up your toddler, walking, and almost every other bodily movement requires some extent of flexible agility. By stretching, you will be able to perform these essential tasks with much more ease and effectiveness.
Your Workouts Will Be More Effective
Increased flexibility from stretching results in a better range of motion. When you have a better range of motion, your performance during your workouts will improve. The wider the range of motion you have, the more muscle you are able to activate. For example, if you have tight hamstrings, your range of motion will be limited while performing exercises like deadlifts. However, if you increase your flexibility, you will be able to execute the deadlift with the correct form with the ability to activate more muscle. The result? You will gain more strength and muscle while preventing injuries. Increased flexibility will also allow you to perform a broader range of exercises.
Stretching Can Decrease Your Risk Of Injury
Warming up with stretching before your workout can reduce your risk of injury. Stretching brings fresh blood flow to your muscles, tendons, and joints to temporarily increase your range of motion for the duration of your workout. For example, if your range of motion is not great in your lower extremities while performing a squat, you may lean forward to compensate for the lack of flexibility which will cause strain on your back. But, if you dynamically stretch before performing the squat, you will have a better chance of nailing the correct form for a pain-free workout.
Stretching Helps You Relax
For a lot of people, stretching just feels good and puts them in a relaxed state of mind. Stretching is commonly practiced with deep breathing exercises as a form of yoga and meditation to put you into a stress-free state and give you a mental boost. The movement provides a sense of release so you can feel connected to your body while also being a reminder that you took the time to do something restorative for yourself. Stretching is an act of self-care and should be incorporated into your daily routine to help you relax and let go of the stressors in your life.
Calgary’s Best Personal Trainers
If you want to develop and maintain optimal fitness, be sure to include stretching in your daily regime. When we think of improving fitness, we are quick to think about going to the gym or starting a weight loss program overlooking the important aspect of stretching. Stretching is not only important for your physical health to help improve mobility and flexibility, but it can also help improve your mental health by allowing you to feel connected with your body and immerse yourself in a relaxing mindset.
If you are interested in starting a stretching routine to help you gain flexibility and joint mobility, contact Jensen Fitness today. Our personal training, fitness coaching, and weight loss programs will provide you with all of the support you need to achieve your personal goals while keeping your surge of motivation at an all-time high. To start your weight loss journey or improve your fitness, contact our team of personal trainers by calling (403) 200-0199 or by filling out our online contact form.
FAQs
Q: How long should I stretch for each day?
A: It is recommended that you stretch for at least 20 minutes 5 days per week. The stretches do not have to be strenuous, just enough to get increased blood flow to your joints and muscles.
Q: I am not sure what stretches to do or how to properly perform them, what should I do?
A: If you are not sure where to begin with your new stretching routine, do not worry. There are many stretches that exist and all of them may not work for you. By hiring a personal trainer, they will be able to assess your current flexibility and customize a routine for you based on your needs and ability so you can avoid injury. Learn more by contacting Jensen Fitness at (403) 200-0199
Q: Does yoga count as stretching?
A: Yes! Yoga does a great job of incorporating stretching and strength training into one routine. Yoga has many great benefits that can improve your flexibility, range of motion, and strength.
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