There are many coaches and trainers that advocate stretching before carrying out any strenuous exercise/sport. Albeit there aren’t enough telling their students/clients to stretch daily even if they are not going to do any physical activity.
You may be wondering why it is important to stretch when you are not going to be involved in any physical activity. Well to begin if you stretch regularly your tight muscles will gradually decrease in tightness for a longer period of time rather than just stretching 10 minutes before each gym/sport/exercise session. So stretching daily will help long term flexibility whereas stretching couple of times a week will be a more short term fix as your muscles aren’t getting the consistent time and stretch in order for them to maintain that state.
Many people undermine stretching daily (I’m guilty of this) which is a problem, especially in the 21st century. In our era people are sat in their offices with poor body posture causing their back to round for long periods of time making the individual susceptible to pain in the lower back and developing further back problems. This habit will need to counter-balanced by frequent stretches at home before work or after work.
Now what are the notable benefits of stretching?
1. As you age your muscle gradually get shorter and tighter consequently making you more susceptible to joint, tendon and muscle injury however stretching regularly prevents this from occurring.
2. This is one that everyone needs to know…stretching helps alleviate lower back pain or developing lower back pain. In particular the hamstrings, hip flexors, lower back muscles and quadriceps. These muscles contribute to you body posture thus stretching these muscles inhibits the onset of lower back pain.
3. It improves blood circulation
4. Stretching is a stress relief as tight muscles and areas of the body that have been caused to tighten up due to stress can be stretched to relieve the tension.
5. Being flexible eliminates the chances of getting injures in your normal day-to-day life.Think about it people if you stretch consistently now by the time you get old you’ll still be flexible and independent in carrying out your day-to-day tasks.
Lastly people I’ll just like y’all to do this simple exercise…
Stand straight, make sure you are on a flat surface, make sure you are not wearing any shoes, and that you are wearing pants that are loose at the crotch. Now attempt to squat to the ground with the soles of your foot touching the floor and make sure you aren’t on your toes or else that’s cheating. 🙂
If you successfully did this then kudos, other that found it difficult or failed at it should really try to attempt this movement everyday for a couple of minutes till their body is able to produce it. This is a simple movement that should be done by everyone comfortably. By the way squatting successfully by no means does it mean that you are now considered flexible, don’t be think your a contortionist now :p I merely used this as an example to illustrate my point of people lacking flexibility.
On that note I’ll end with this folks
How often do you stretch?
When do you Stretch?
Is it before exercising?
Or do you usually stretch to loosen tight muscles?
Just Do It…
PEACE!
The Silver Mind 