|
|
Intro to Stretching: The Benefits of FlexibilityIntro to Stretching: The Benefits of Flexibility If you are like many people you do your cardio and your strength training and end your workout right there. You've worked hard and long, but there is one more thing you need to do to balance out the strain you put on your muscles. Cardio and strength training work by contracting and flexing your muscles. Stretching puts a balance to your workout by helping your muscles stretch out after a great workout. Why Stretch? People who stretch regularly experience Improved Coordination. Stretching and increased flexibility help improve balance which in turn decreases the chances that you'll experience injuries from falling. Less Stress. Stress often goes hand-in-hand with muscles tightness and tenseness. Stretching relieve this tensing and tightness. Good Posture. Many people compromise their posture to compensate for the tightening and aching of un-stretched muscles. On the same note, poor posture can also lead to muscle aches. By stretching, you can counteract both. Better Circulation. Stretching can increase the blood flow to the muscles which helps the muscles stay nourish and get rid of waste. This, in turn, decreases the time it takes your muscles to heal from injuries. Additionally, increased circulation can also increase your energy levels! Increased Flexibility. When your muscles are flexible, they perform better on a daily basis (including every day tasks such as getting dressed). Reduced Risk of Injury. Stretching prepares muscles for activity and the more prepared they are, the less likely they will be injured during physical activity. Muscles aren't the only thing protected by stretching. When muscles are tight and sore, the joints are unable to complete their full range of motion and that puts extra stress on them which can cause injury. More Comfort. Stretching just makes your muscles feel better. Most people don't like the aching muscles or reduced range of motion that tend to show up after a particularly strenuous workout and stretching is the best way to combat these feelings! What are the Basics? It's important to remember a few basics when beginning a stretching regime so that you don't injure your muscles in the process. Remember the following:
Additionally, it's important to stretch every time you exercise. You can do some light stretching at the beginning of a workout just after a warm up and then a more thorough stretching after your workout to properly lengthen those muscles! Even if you don't exercise or workout three times a week, you can still stretch to keep your muscles flexible and to decrease your chances of getting injured when you do exercise. Again, just make sure your warm up your muscles before doing so. The best part about stretching is that you can do it anywhere. If you can't get to the gym and the weather isn't cooperating to let you get outside to exercise, give your muscles a boost with a stretching routine instead. There are six different types of stretching: dynamic, active, passive, static, isometric and PNF (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation). Anyone who trains martial arts needs to know how all of these different types of stretching work as well as how they work and fit into the fitness routine. They all have their pros and cons and will be covered more in-depth in future articles. |
Recomended Resources
|
