Why Stretching Is Vital?

The body is flexible. It is supposed to be flexible. You should be able to bend and reach so that if something drops on the floor there is no effort to pick it up. You should also on your own be able to zip the back of your favorite dress. Likewise, reach that book that is located on the top shelf.

These are simple activities. Nothing grand about them, they simply require a small stretched to achieve. However, if there are difficulties in doing such simple motions, then you have to stretch your limits. This is a indication that a stretching program is needed.

What Is Stretching?

Stretching is simply the act of extending the full length the your body or simply a part of it. This activity involves straightening or stretching the structure or the limbs.

How Does One Do the Stretching?

Stretching is fairly easy. As mentioned in the introduction, it is involved in the normal activities. It can be done by most everyone, regardless of age.

However the extent of stretching and flexing differs. The muscles tighten as a person ages. The range of joint movements can be minimized. This can very well obstruct an on-the-go lifestyle. That is why as the person grows older, bending or flexing becomes more limited. This is why stretching regularly, as part of a routine is very important.

Simple stretches can be done everyday. They can be incorporated in daily activities. AND a stretching routine not require much of your time.

Stretching exercises can also be done while training. Actually, stretching is an essential part of any training or sport. It should be done first before anything else. Stretching the body and the limbs is a good preparation for a more rigorous activity.

Most athletes do the sit and reach, wherein they position themselves on the floor, extend their legs and reach the tip of their foot with the tip of their hand. Most trainers require their athletes to stretch before playing.

There is an ideal length of time for stretching. It is best to do at least 10 minutes. This will give the body enough opportunity to move and flex the muscles, thus preparing it for more complicated and strenuous movements.

Experts warn against over stretching. They explain that 30 minutes or more of stretching will wear out the body. This will not be favorable if one is preparing for a game.

What Are the Benefits of Stretching?

1. Increase the Range of Movement
   The more one streatches, the length of the muscles and the tendons are going to increase. This will help in increasing the range of your movement. Thus, the limbs and joints will be able to move properly so prevent an injury from taking place.
2. Increased Ability to Perform Skills
   When you have a wide range of movement, you will be able to do more things. For example, you can jump high without feeling any pain when you land back on the floor. This will also help you start a new sport or improve more if you are in one. Stretching in this aspect also allows you to have a more active lifestyle.
3. Injury Prevention
   One can prevent injury to joints, tendons and muscles with stretching. When the muscles and tendons are well-flexed, they are considered to be in good working order. This will help with faster recovery and decreased soreness. The muscles of the body will be able to take more exhausting and rigorous movements with less probability of being injured.
4. Reduce Muscle Tension
   If the muscles are given their regular exercises and stretching, it is less likely that they will contract. This will definitely relieve you of any muscle pain or problems.
5. Enhance Energy
   Being able to move more will also give you more energy. Stretching will also help enhance your awareness, like knowing that you have a body that is capable of doing many things. As such, you are going to be more driven to move rather than sulk in the corner.
6. Reduces Cholesterol
   Research also shows that doing prolonged stretching exercises, like yoga, will help reduce the cholesterol in the body. This of course must be done with a healthy diet at hand. This could prevent and even reverse the hardening of the arteries, allowing you to avoid coronary diseases.

Incorporate stretching in your everyday lifestyle. It has benefits you can not say no to. It also does not require much. It can be your incorporated into usual activities, bending and flexing every now and then. After all, your fitness is everything so do what it takes to keep the body healthy.

As Healthy Feels

November 13, 2019Healthy Living, Movement