The Truth Behind the 3 Biggest Myths About Stretching

Although many people know that stretching is essential, most people don't know what it really does. One of the first things you do when you wake up is to stretch your whole body. This allows your blood to start pumping and helps warm your muscles and joints after hours of lying down on your bed.

Ideally, you want to squeeze in a 15-minute stretch session daily to keep your body strong and improve its functions. For some people who want a deeper stretch, they get assisted stretching services to help them reach parts of their bodies that need some bending and movement.  

Even if stretching is a common daily physical exercise, many people still have different views and opinions on this topic. In this article, we'll discuss the three biggest myths on stretching and the truth behind them. So give your body a bit of a stretch and let's get to it!

1. Your muscles will shorten if you don't stretch

The term "shortening" can be misleading, and the "shortening" of the muscles is often connected to low flexibility.

We have receptors in our body called proprioceptors that send signals to our brain when we've reached the maximum angle of an extension when we stretch. When you don't utilise the full range of motion of your muscles, proprioceptors lose their ability to tolerate the tensions of stretching, resulting in loss of flexibility.

2. Stretching relieves you from muscle soreness

A common misconception that people believe is that you should stretch when you experience acute muscle soreness. However, when you do intense stretching, you may further damage any tears in your muscle fibres.

You'll often feel muscle soreness after strenuous activities and unfamiliar movements and for this reason, you should go easy when you stretch after workouts. For your safety, remember that the more intense your workout, the more careful you should be when you cool down and stretch.

Besides that, when you do long and static stretches, it could disrupt the blood flow to your capillaries, slowing down your recovery after physical activities. 

3. You reduce your injuries when you stretch

Scientifically, there is no proof that a stretched muscle is less prone to injury. However, there are specific stretches that you can do to lower your chances of injury, and these type of stretches are called dynamic stretching.

With dynamic stretching, you prepare your muscles as well as passive structures of your body for the workout you're about to do. This type of extension improves your coordination and increases the blood flow to your muscles, warming up your muscle temperature.

How do I stretch properly?

Before doing any physical activity, it's important to incorporate dynamic stretches in your workout. This will prepare your body for the demanding workout sessions you're going to take and allows you to do quick and explosive movements that often require flexibility.

Dynamic stretching

With dynamic stretching, you help your muscles work to their full range of motion rather than holding it at a maximum stretch for long periods. So when you're stretching, only stretch until you feel a pull and to stop when it's causing pain. 

Static stretching

On the other hand, after working out, static stretches are best. Keeping your body stretched for 20 to 90 seconds can help release the tension in your tight muscles.

Assisted stretching

For a safer alternative, you can try assisted stretching so that your muscles are being taken care of by professionals who know the right movements your body needs. 

Conclusion

Being aware of the different myths behind stretching and knowing the truth behind them will give you a better perspective on this physical exercise. Stretching is extremely beneficial for your body and you should incorporate this in your daily routine. Besides that, getting regular assisted stretching can also improve the way your body moves and is a safer way to stretch and extend your body.

If you're looking for assisted stretching in Sydney, head over to Stretch Studios. We are Australia's first one-on-one assisted stretch concept that can give your body numerous benefits. Feel the benefits of assisted stretching by booking an appointment today!