A common misconception is that only aged people need to stretch because they feel sore and stiff. Young people, on the other hand, believe that stretching is useless. It doesn’t matter if you are old or young, working out or not. Do you remember how back in the day, your PE teachers would make you stretch before letting you play any kind of sport? There was a reason for that.
In this article, you will learn about the benefits of stretching and just how important it is for your general health.
1. Increases Flexibility
Did you know that stretching every day can make you more flexible? It’s true! If you want to stay healthy, flexibility is crucial.
Flexibility makes everyday tasks easier to perform. As we age, our joints start to hurt, and mobility becomes limited. The more flexible you are, the lesser the impact old age will have on your body.
2. Increases Range of Motion
Having full control of your body means that you can move your joints to their maximum capability. Stretching religiously every single day can help boost your range of motion.
According to a study, static and dynamic stretching dramatically helps increase one’s range of motion. If you’re looking for more immediate gains, PNF stretching is your best bet.
3. Greater Physical Performance
Preparing your muscles before a strenuous workout or sport is said to help you perform better. Have you noticed how all the fitness trainers in workout videos always warm themselves up by stretching each muscle in their body before starting their workout regime?
Even athletes stretch before a big match! Stretching definitely helps boost physical performance. It also gets rid of aches and pains that you may have in your body at random times of the day.
A good stretch can make you feel more limber and less stiff. Have a daily routine of stretching at least once per day to keep your muscles from becoming sore, as well as keeping the rest of your body healthy!
4. Increased Blood Flow to Muscles
Stretching, even without indulging in a rigorous workout, helps increase blood circulation in the body. After a heavy workout, your muscles may feel sore, leading to pain in the body. If you stretch patiently and properly before and after your workout, this pain can be avoided.
In fact, stretching encourages blood flow to reach your muscles. This helps reduce muscle soreness, as well as recovery time. A common drawback of working out every day is delayed onset muscle soreness or DOMS. Stretching ensures that you do not wake up with a body ache and are able to perform your daily activities.
5. Improves Posture
Poor posture is often caused by muscle imbalances. According to a study, stretching a certain set of muscle groups, along with practicing some strengthening exercises, can reduce the risk of musculoskeletal pain, encouraging proper alignment in the body.
If all muscles in your body are correctly aligned, your posture will automatically be perfect, reducing back pain and discomfort that is often bought on with age.
