Stretching involves a group of exercises where muscles all over the body are intentionally extended beyond their normal comfort motion range and held in that position for a few seconds.Â
There are many stretching benefits. It is considered an important part of every workout regime.
Stretching Benefits
Presenting the benefits of stretching, let’s check it
out.
1. Loosens
the Muscles:
Heavy workouts are often
started with light stretching. This helps to loosen the muscle groups and
prepare them for further strength training and heavier exercises. It is considered
a warm-up.
2. Lubricate
the JOINT:
Often we tend to move our
joints in only a limited range of actions. One of the major benefits of
stretching is that it flexes the joints beyond their comfort zone. This aids in
full movement and lubrication keeping joints healthier for longer.
3. FLEXIBILITY:
As arms, legs, and other
major groups are stretched, the body gets used to being manipulated in
different directions. This increases flexibility and strength.
Flexibility is beneficial to avoid any stiffness later in life with growing
age.
4. Avoids
quick Shock:
Stretching benefits are seen at the end of a workout just as they are seen at the beginning as well. After a heavy workout, sudden stopping or sitting down may send the muscles into shock because of an unexpected end of the movement.Â
It is thus advisable
to slow down step by step by doing stretching exercises post-workout instead of
stopping abruptly.
5. Fitness
in PREGNANCY:
Pregnant women have to
refrain from heavy workouts. But fitness is a must. In comes the role of benefits
of stretching. Stretching exercises are slow and easy on the body without any
jerky movements, making them the perfect option for pregnant women.
6. Warm-up
before WEIGHT Training:
Our body is rigid and often
needs a little prep before we resort to any weight training to a strength
workout regime. Stretching the body before beginning with the main exercises gives
the body enough time to ‘wake up’ and become ready to handle the heavyweights.
7. Increase
in HEIGHT:
Stretching benefits are
seen on a large scale in children of growing age. Regular stretching
of all muscle groups for a significant amount of time can help to lengthen the
tissues and help in increasing their height. Young children are recommended to
stretch daily for faster growth.
8. Improves Body Posture:
This is a lesser-known
property of stretching. Doing it correctly helps to develop the right kind of
structure for the body. It improves postures and corrects the balance of the
body such as droopy shoulders, slouching back, protruding front, etc.
9. Instant
relief from Aches:
Stretching helps to quickly
relieve aches in the back or neck. A quick stretch for a few seconds can make a
whole lot of difference to your stuck and tight muscles, and joints.
Read:
Home
Remedies for Sleep Apnea: Natural Solutions for Restful Nights
Why is stretching important?
If you are someone who needs to sit in front of the computer for hours together and has no time for proper exercise, stretching is a boon for you.Â
Long hours in one position can
lead to back and neck aches and also spoils the posture because of slouching.
Take out tiny intervals of 5 minutes every few hours between your work to stand
up and stretch.
What type of stretching is best?
Here are a few easy stretching exercises you can do right in your office,
- Extend your arms and rotate your wrists clock and anti-clockwise.
- Rotate your neck
- Bend forward and backward and hold each position for 10 seconds
- Raise your hands and stand on your toes for a full-body stretch. Hold that position for 10 seconds before relaxing.
Just 5 minutes of these
little stretching movements and your back will be thanking you.
Final Note
Stretching benefits are
often not given enough importance as they are seen as a very light form of
workout. But 15 minutes of stretching a day can help you relieve most of your
bone and muscle-related problems. Try for you to believe.
Â