10 Reasons Why Stretching is Good for You
We all know that we should stretch but are you aware of the many reasons why stretching is so good for you?
Here are 10 reasons why we should stretch regularly:
Reduces muscle soreness
Improves range of motion
Can help to prevent injury
Relaxes the muscles
Increases flexibility
Increases blood flow to the muscles
Can help improve posture
Can help to detox the body
Relieves stress
Calms the mind
Stretching reduces muscle soreness
Stretching after exercise helps to reduce the muscle soreness we can feel after a workout. Known as DOMS (delayed onset of muscle strain), that post-workout pain can occur any time from a few hours to a day or two after exercise. Stretching post-workout can ease tense muscles and help to reduce this pain
Stretching improves range of motion
Stretching can help to increase our range of motion in the joints - allowing a fuller extension of movement and stronger contraction. Think higher leg lifts, longer lunges, bigger leaps, higher jumps and more control over our movements.
Stretching can help to prevent injury
Following on from the point above, stretching allows us to have increased stability, range and control in our joints. Increasing the range of movement and control can help to prevent muscle tears and joint injury.
Stretching relaxes the muscles
Stretching can be lovely and relaxing for the muscles. By stretching the body, we allow our muscles to elongate and begin to relax. The muscles will become more limber and hold less tension. Breathing into your stretches will also aid relaxation for the whole body.
Stretching increases flexibility
Taking the opportunity to stretch when you’re warm after exercise is a great time to work on increasing your flexibility. Holding each stretch for 30 seconds can have a dramatic impact on the long-term flexibility of the muscles being stretched.
Stretching increases blood flow to the muscles
Stretching brings increased blood flow to our muscles which is really important for muscle recovery. Stretching helps to speed up recovery from inflamation or tightness caused by exercise or exertion. Increasing blood flow to any part of our body is beneficial because the blood brings a much needed boost of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles and muscle tissue.
Stretching can help improve posture
Tight muscles - especially those in our back, neck, shoulders and hips can cause poor posture. All the sitting down, hunching and looking down we do can cause over-tightening and atrophy of important postural muscles. Stretching can reverse and prevent many of these issues. Stretching all the muscles is important but focus especially on the chest, shoulders, upper and lower back, hips, hamstrings and glutes.
Stretching can help to detox the body
Our muscles hold toxins. This applies more-so if we are dehydrated or if a muscle is injured. Stretching can help to move these toxins so that our body can work on eliminating them faster. That’s why you’ll often find your limbs being gently stretched during a massage.
Stretching can relieve stress
And relax… Gentle stretching with a focus on breathing can work wonders to relieve stress. We hold a lot of tension in our muscles. Focussing on easing this tension can release and relieve pent-up stress in the body.
Stretching can calm the mind
Slow, calm, focussed stretching can work to calm the mind - much in the same way that meditation or yoga can. Breathe gently into your stretches, hold and sink into the stretch with each exhale. Focus only on the stretch and your breath for a truly mindful stretch, giving your brain a break from all those other thoughts.
Top tips for stretching
Stretch after exercise when you are warm. This will enable you to get the most from each stretch and minimise the chance or muscle tear or injury.
Don’t over-stretch. Listen to your body as you stretch and stop when you reach your limit. Recognise the difference between your stretch limit being a gentle pull and and overstretch which will be a painful pull.
Find out more about our weekly online Stretch classes.
Check out these hip opening stretches for dancers or follow along with our 10 Minute Full Body Stretch Routine