The Importance of Stretching
What’s the all the fuss about stretching?
Whether you’ve been sitting all day and could use a break, or you’re about to go for a run, stretching is a super easy and healthy habit that really pays off.
Here are some of it’s potential perks:
Stress relief - muscles tend to tense up in response to physical/emotional stress. Stretching out can release much of this tension
Increased range of motion (ROM) - Regularly moving a joint through its full ROM encourages freedom of movement
Increased flexibility - Not only can improved flexibility make everyday activities easier, it can also help delay the reduced mobility that comes with aging
Increased circulation & blood flow to muscles - This can shorten recovery time and reduce muscle soreness
Improved physical performance - dynamic stretches prior to activities is proven to help prepare muscles and may improve athletic ability
Improved posture - research has found that a combination of strengthening and stretching key muscle groups can reduce musculoskeletal pain and encourage proper alignment
Heal & prevent back pain - Tight muscles can lead to a decrease in range of motion whereby the likelihood of straining back muscles is greater. Regular stretching can help heal existing back discomfort and can also help prevent future back pain by strengthening the muscles and reducing risk of muscle strain
Mental calm & clarity - Using mindfulness and meditation techniques at the same time as stretching helps to give the mind a mental break
Relief of tension headaches- In addition to a proper diet, adequate hydration and rest, stretching may help reduce tension and ease tension-related headaches
Top Tips:
If you’re new to a regular stretching routine, take it slow. Our bodies need time to get used to the stretches
Aim for 5-10 minutes dynamic stretches before exercise to prepare muscles
Do 5-10 minutes static stretches (which involve holding a stretch in a comfortable position for a period of time, typically between 10-30 seconds) after exercise to reduce risk of injury
Even on days non exercise days it’s great to do at least 5-10 minutes to help improve flexibility and reduce muscle tightness/pain
Don’t overdo it! Stretching puts some stress on your body. Stretching the same muscle groups repeatedly in a short timeframe risks over-stretching and causing damage
Don’t stretch beyond the point of comfort. While it’s normal to feel some tension, the area in question should not be painful
If you have an acute or existing injury, seek advice from a medical professional
