Stretching is one of the most frequently overlooked parts of any wellness routine. A good stretching routine can provide many benefits both physically and mentally. Incorporate regular stretching into your healthy lifestyle and reap the benefits to your overall well being.
Physical Benefits of Stretching
Stretching can literally help you reach higher heights! Increased flexibility, reduced pain, improved circulation, and even better posture can all be achieved through careful, routine stretching.
1. Improved Flexibility
One of the most obvious benefits of stretching is increased flexibility and range of motion. When you stretch, you lengthen the muscle fibers, gradually increasing your flexibility over time. The best time to increase flexibility is when your muscles are already warm. Stretch at the end of your workout if increased range of motion is your goal. If you want to stretch without working out ahead of time, do a few minutes of gentle movements to get the blood flowing to your muscles before stretching.
2. Reduced Pain
Stretching can be an effective method of reducing pain and muscle soreness from exercising. It can help your body release lactic acid, thereby reducing muscle soreness after a vigorous workout. AZ Central states, “When oxygen is limited, your body generates lactate to enable glucose breakdown, and in the process lactate levels build up within the muscle. Stretching can help release lactate buildup following exercise.”
It can also reduce pain in the lower back associated with tight muscles in the hips and legs. Tight hamstrings and hip flexors can lead to less than ideal posture and put unnecessary pressure on the lower back. By stretching these chronically tight muscles, you can help reduce the pressure, and relieve pain in the lower back.
3. Improved Circulation
Another benefit of stretching is the improvement of circulation within your muscles and joints. By increasing the blood flow, your body can deliver more nutrients to your cells, improving your overall health, and speeding recovery.
4. Better Posture
Most people don’t have ideal posture. A proper stretching routine can lead to better posture. Whether you work a desk job that requires you to sit for long periods of time, or have a job that requires repetitive motions, many of us experience work conditions that lead to poor posture. You can help to combat the muscle tightness associated with poor posture by stretching. As the tightness releases, your posture will improve.
Mental Benefits of Stretching
Stretching can also have mental benefits in addition to physical benefits. It can help to reduce stress and boost your energy levels. Pay extra special attention to the relaxation involved with yoga stretches.
1. Reduce Stress
Stretching has been proven to help to lower stress levels and improve your overall sense of well being. It is especially beneficial when combined with deep breathing. An article on Love to Know sums up research completed at Harvard University. It states, “While deep breathing might seem unnatural, they say, it promotes full oxygen exchange, which can slow the heartbeat and lower or stabilize blood pressure, inducing a more relaxed state of being.”
2. Boost Energy Levels
Many people struggle with consistent energy throughout the day. Stretching can help improve your energy levels. If you hit a mid-afternoon slump, a few minutes of gentle stretching can boost your energy by raising your endorphin levels, and increasing your blood flow.
Make stretching part of your lifestyle. Stretching provides benefits to both your physical and mental well being. Incorporate more stretching into your lifestyle, and begin reaping the benefits today!
