Why You Should Squeeze in Stretching in Your Functional Training

As we age, our bodies start to function differently. Tasks that used to be so easy for us require a bit more effort. Thankfully, there’s a way to minimize these problems. 

Functional training is a workout program that many follow to help with their body's movement. With functional training, coaches create a program intended to enhance your activity throughout the day based on everyday tasks and movements. 

One of the critical components of functional training you shouldn't ignore is stretching. Regardless of the intensity of your workout, stretching adds to the improvement of your body's functionality. It strengthens your muscles, enhances your flexibility, boosts your range of motion and increases your blood circulation. This is why stretching is an important addition to your functional training program to help you perform better.

Unfortunately, many people skip stretching and miss out on the many benefits of this session. However, if you find stretching on your own a bit challenging, there are assisted stretching services to help you out. This will help you train better and hit your maximum potential during your workout programs.

If you've recently started a functional training program and want to know the benefits of stretching, you've come to the right place. Below is a list of ways stretching can support you as you age and go through functional training. 

1. Stretching targets lower back pain and symptoms of arthritis

One of the most common complaints people have when they get older is the pain they feel in their lower backs. This is usually a result of osteoarthritis and spinal stenosis. 

Stretching can help you relieve yourself from the discomfort and combat the pain. This is because stretching aids in flexibility and motion, reducing much of your muscle and joints’ stiffness. 

2. Stretching improves balance and strength

Another critical aspect that stretching enhances is stability. Since stretching improves your flexibility and motion, it also enhances your balance and strength, which reduces your risk of falling. 

When you pair stretching with a strength-heavy functional program, you'll notice that you'll target major muscle groups such as your quadriceps and hamstrings which aid in mobility. These joints affect your balance when you stand still as well as while you're moving. 

3. Stretching corrects your posture 

As we age, our body loses elasticity and flexibility, which could then lead to poor posture. As the water content in our connective tissues decreases, it deteriorates our ligaments and tendons’ functions and flexibility. 

Poor posture can contribute to most back and shoulder pains. However, with stretching and functional training, your flexibility will improve, supporting your tight ligaments, muscles and tendons in loosening up. This dramatically improves your posture and motion, helping you stay up and work better throughout the day. 

4. Stretching aids in blood flow and improves your energy

There are different types of stretching you can do to your body to help target body problems you are experiencing. Assisted stretching services will help move your body in certain positions to help you target these areas. 

A big factor that affects the way you move, how you feel and how muscles function is blood circulation. With dynamic stretching, a low-intensity stretching, your muscles lengthen and increase the flow of blood in your body. This helps improve your energy and helps you stay more active.

Some dynamic stretches are also functional training exercises, such as body squats, arm swings and lunges. Adding weights to these movements will improve your strength, balance and blood flow.

Conclusion

To get the most out of functional training, it's best to include stretching in your program. Whether it be a high-intensity or low-intensity stretch session, you still get loads of benefits just by squeezing in some stretching. Getting assisted stretching can also help you improve the way you stretch and move, so you have no reason to skip a few minutes of this type of bodywork in your routine. You'll train better, move better and feel better with functional training and stretching. 

Are you looking for assisted stretching in Sydney? Stretch Studios is Australia's first one-on-one assisted stretch concept that can give your body numerous benefits. Check out our services today and feel the benefits of stretching!