The Benefits of Regular Stretching For Your Fitness Journey
Everyone understands the value of exercise in human health, but how many people understand the benefits of stretching?
According to research, stretching appears to be significant in sports performance and many other everyday tasks. Stretching activities enhance mobility and keep muscles and joints working correctly.
Stretching benefits include enhanced flexibility, range of motion, muscle function, improved performance, increased blood flow, and injury avoidance. This article explains the different types of stretching and how to incorporate flexibility into a workout program.
Different Types of Stretching
There are three main ways to stretch: static, dynamic and ballistic. Each has a different effect on the muscles and joints and should be incorporated into a workout routine. Each also starts from a different position.
Static stretching is when a person holds a position for a sustained amount of time. It is done from a relaxed and comfortable position and done at the end of a workout.
Dynamic stretching is when a person moves through a whole range of motion but does not hold any position for more than 10 seconds. This is done before a workout to increase blood flow to the muscles and joints in preparation for exercise.
Ballistic stretching attempts to move a moving body or limb beyond its usual range of motion by using its momentum. Stretching, or "warming up," is done by bouncing into (or out of) a stretched posture, with the extended muscles acting like a spring that pulls you out of the stretched position.
What are the Benefits of Stretching Regularly?
Stretching regularly can have several health benefits. Many people know that stretching before physical activity is essential, but stretching every day regardless of physical activity is essential. Here are five benefits that stretching offers.
1. Stretching can improve posture.
It is also essential to have good posture when standing and sitting. Having a good posture can have several health benefits. Posture can help increase your self-esteem and help prevent neck and back pain, the most common type of pain in the body.
2. Stretching can increase your range of motion.
Reaching up to get something high off a shelf or bending over to tie your shoes may not be complex tasks, but they can be more easily accomplished with a good range of motion in the joints.
3. Regular stretching can help reduce stress and increase energy levels.
Stretching can help trigger the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), which is the part of the nervous system responsible for "rest and digest" activities. This can help lower heart rate, improve blood circulation and calm the nervous system.
4. Stretching can improve flexibility which can help reduce the risk of injury.
Flexibility is an essential component of overall health and wellness. Flexibility can help decrease the risk of injury during everyday activities such as getting out of the car or walking down the stairs. Flexibility can also prevent injuries while participating in athletics or working out at the gym. The more flexible a person is, the less likely they will suffer an injury.
5. Stretching can improve balance and coordination.
Flexibility is vital for movement and balance. A lack of flexibility can lead to stiffness, making balancing more difficult.
Conclusion
No matter your fitness level, it is essential to incorporate stretching into your workout routine. Stretching can improve posture, flexibility, range of motion, assist with relaxation and lower stress levels. Stretching can also help prevent injuries, saving you time from being laid up.
If you are looking to join stretch classes in Melbourne and Sydney, Stretch Studio is at your service. Our experienced and well-trained teachers provide amazing stretch therapy sessions, assisted stretching services, and other spine-loving activities to improve your spine health. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you!