The body is flexible. It
is supposed to be flexible. You must be able to bend and reach that something
you dropped on the floor. You must be able to zip the back of your favorite
dress on your own. You must be able to reach that book you need to read at the
top shelf.
These are simple
activities. Nothing grand about them, you merely stretched out a bit. However,
if there are difficulties in doing such simple motions, then you have to
stretch your limits. You already need a stretching program.
What Is Stretching?
Stretching is simply the
act of extending to full length the body or simply a part of it. This activity
involves straightening or stretching the structure or the limbs.
How Does One Do the
Stretching?
Stretching is fairly
easy. As mentioned in the introduction, it is involved in normal activities. It
can be done by any people, regardless of age.
However the extent of
stretching and flexing differs. The muscles tighten as a person ages. The range
of joint movements can be minimized. This can very well obstruct an on-the-go
lifestyle. That is why as the person grows older, bending or flexing becomes
more limited. This is why stretching regularly, as part of a routine is very
important.
Simple stretches can be
done every day. It can be incorporated into the lifestyle and daily activities.
It does not require much of your time.
Stretching exercises can
also be done while training. Stretching is an essential part of any training or
sport. It must be done first before anything else. Stretching the body and the
limbs is a good preparation for a more rigorous activity.
Most athletes would do
the sit and reach, wherein they position on the floor, extend their legs and
reach the tip of their foot with the tip of their hand. Most trainers require
their athletes to do the stretching before playing.
There is an ideal length
of time in stretching. It is best to do it in 10 minutes. This will give the
body enough opportunity to move and flex the muscles, thus preparing it for
more complicated and strenuous movements.
Experts however would
frown upon going way beyond 10 minutes. Stretching the exercise to 30 minutes
or more will already wear out the body. This will not be favorable if one is
preparing for a game.
What Are the Benefits of
Stretching?
1. Increase the Range of
Movement
As one constantly do the
stretching exercises, the length of the muscles and the tendons are also
increased. This will help in increasing the range of your movement. Thus, the
limbs and joints will be able to move, way before an injury can take place. You
are physically fit.
2. Increased Ability to
Perform Skills
When you have a wide
range of movement, the more you will be able to do more things. For example,
you can jump high without feeling any pain when you land back on the floor.
This will also help you start a new sport or improve more if you are in one.
Stretching in this aspect also allows you to have a more active lifestyle.
3. Injury Prevention
One can prevent injury
to joints, tendons and muscles with stretching. When the muscles and tendons
are well-flexed, they are considered in good working order. This will help in
faster recovery and decreased soreness. The muscles of the body will be able to
take more exhausting and rigorous movements with less probability of being
injured.
4. Reduce Muscle Tension
If the muscles are given
their regular exercises and stretching, it is less likely that they will
contract. This will relieve you of any muscle pain or problems.
5. Enhance Energy
Being able to move more
will also give you more energy. Stretching will also help enhance your
awareness, like knowing that you have a body that is capable of doing many
things. As such, you are going to be more driven to move rather than sulk in
the corner.
6. Reduces Cholesterol
Research also shows that
doing prolonged stretching exercises, like yoga, will help reduce the
cholesterol in the body. This of course must be done with a healthy diet at
hand. This could prevent and even reverse the hardening of the arteries,
allowing you to avoid coronary diseases.
Incorporate stretching
into your everyday lifestyle. It has benefits you can not say no to. It also
does not require much. It can be your usual activities, bending and flexing now
and then. After all, your fitness is everything so do what it takes to keep the
body healthy.