By Ryan Lawson, Exercise Specialist at Riverview Health Rehab & Fitness
Stretching is a vital component of any complete fitness routine. With that said, stretching is often overlooked as we frequently jump to activities such as cardio and strength training. Part of the reason stretching is often disregarded can be attributed to a lack of education of its benefits. Listed below are several benefits of stretching and reasons why you should incorporate it into your life each day.
- Improves muscle development—Stretching your muscles allows you to move through your complete range of motion. This in turns allows the body to operate more efficiently and minimizes any strain on the body.
- Increases range of motion—Not only does it help increase the range of motion while lifting weights, it also increases range of motion for everyday activities. This means you’ll be able to perform everyday movements more easily.
- Reduces injury—When you stretch, over a period of time, you gradually elongate the muscle. By making the muscle longer, you reduce your risk of pulling or tearing it. In the short term, it also helps make the muscles and tendons limber to help you achieve a more beneficial workout.
- Increases blood flow—Stretching can be used after your cardio warm-up to encourage blood flow to the muscles. This supplies the muscles with oxygen as well as nutrients to function properly.
- Improves posture—Stretching helps improve your posture, especially your core and low back. It’s also a great way to alleviate pain, which is why it’s such a vital component of yoga and Pilates.
- Increases your exercise time—Stretching has been shown to loosen the muscles and tendons, which decreases muscle fatigue. As we age, the muscles tend to become stiffer, but with consistent stretching, you can combat it.
So there’s no reason not to start integrating stretching into your daily life. If you’re looking for the best stretches for you, please consult an exercise specialist for recommendations.