Importance of Stretching! Why, When, and How?
Importance Of Stretching!
You ate well, you went to the gym and had an amazing workout then you left feeling like you’d done everything right! Well if you’re like one of many athletes, you have forgotten one very important aspect to complete your routine. Did you stretch? Stretching has many benefits but is often overlooked. Stretching is the deliberate lengthening of muscles in order to increase muscle flexibility and joint range of motion. Let us take a closer look at the importance of stretching.
Why Stretch?
Increased flexibility and joint range of motion:
Flexible muscles can improve your daily performance as well as your performance in the gym.
Improved circulation:
Stretching increases blood flow to your muscles. Blood flowing to your muscles brings nourishment and gets rid of waste byproducts in the muscle tissue. Improved circulation can help shorten recovery time after an intense training session.
Better posture:
Frequent stretching can help keep your muscles from getting tight, allowing you to maintain good posture which can minimize discomfort and keep aches and pains at a minimum.
Full Range of Motion:
Maintaining the full range of motion through your joints keeps you in better balance. Coordination and balance will help keep you mobile and less prone to injury.
When To Stretch:
Before you plunge into stretching, make sure you do it safely and effectively. Stretching incorrectly can actually do more harm than good. Make sure your muscles are warm, for if you stretch cold muscles you may be looking at an injury like a pulled muscle.
How To Stretch:
Some of my clients prefer more of a ballistic style stretch which involve trying to force a part of the body beyond its range of motion. This is often performed by incorporating that little bounce into your stretch. While my other personal training clients prefer static stretching which involves holding a position. That is, you stretch to the farthest point and hold the stretch for at least 20 seconds.
Now I will not tell you which method is best but I will tell you this, if you have subscribed to my youtube channel, (wink wink) you might find out which one I prefer. For more information on the importance of stretching, or if you are ready to get in shape for summer and melt away unwanted body fat, or if you’re frustrated with the way your physique is looking and you’re thinking about hiring one of our personal trainers, CONTACT US!!!
