The Basics of Static Stretching: Benefits & Precautions
Stretching is a very important part of a person’s fitness routine. But do you know that there are different types of stretching that help the body?
In this article, let’s take a look at static stretching. What is it? How can it benefit you? What are the precautions you should take to maximise the benefits? Keep reading to find out.
What Is Static Stretching?
Static stretching, also known as isometric stretching, involves keeping your muscles in a stretched position for a certain amount of time. It is ideal to work on this at the end of your workout to help you cool down. This will loosen up the muscles and help maintain flexibility.
What Are the Benefits of Static Stretching?
There are a lot of benefits to static stretching. Here are the most important ones:
1. Reduce Stiffness in the Body
One of the most common side effects of exercise is stiffness. Stretches can help to minimise the stiffness in your body. This is especially true when you do static stretching before you do a warmup or go on a run.
2. Better Blood Flow
In addition to minimising stiffness in your body, static stretching also improves your blood flow. This is important because it increases the amount of oxygen that your muscles receive and helps flush out lactic acid released by your muscles when you exercise.
3. Better Balance
Another way that static stretching helps to improve physical performance is that it improves your balance. This is because the increased flexibility in your muscles means you have better control over your muscle contractions.
4. Less Stress
Stretching can help to relieve stress. This is because stretching helps to release endorphins, the same hormone released when you exercise. The endorphins act as natural pain relievers and help relax the body and mind.
5. Increase Flexibility
Static stretching is an excellent way to increase the range of motion in your joints. This is important to prevent any injury because it allows you to complete your workout routine with proper form.
What Are the Precautions for Static Stretching?
Although there are a lot of benefits of static stretching, there are also some precautions that you should take to prevent injury. Here are some of them:
1. Start Slowly
You should start slowly if you have never done static stretching before. Like any other form of exercise, you need to work your way up to more intensive workouts. So start slow, and as you become more comfortable, you can increase your stretch time.
2. Stretch to the Point of Tension
One of the biggest mistakes that people make when they are doing a static stretch is overstretching. Static stretching should never be painful. It should feel like a slight tension in your muscles. It should not feel like you are hurting yourself.
3. Be Gentle
Another issue that many people have with the static stretch is that they are too aggressive when they stretch. It is important to be gentle. Don’t use too much force. You should never feel any pain when you do a stretch. Your muscles should feel relaxed.
4. Breathe Properly
Always make sure that you breathe properly when you do a static stretch. Be sure that you breathe in deeply and exhale as you stretch. Breathing will help relax your muscles and get more blood flowing to your muscles. This, in turn, will help to improve your balance and flexibility.
Final Thoughts
Static stretching is a great way to reduce stiffness, increase blood flow and make your muscles more flexible. There are many benefits of static stretching, but you must also ensure that you don’t overstretch. You should also make sure that you do it properly to avoid injury.
Learn more about static stretching by enrolling in Stretch Studio’s stretching classes in Perth. We offer various package deals with an assisted stretching service to help ensure you maximise its benefits. Message us today for more information.