The Benefits of Stretching
71
The Benefits of Stretching
Stretching is one activity that can produce many daily benefits. It is so simple to do and it takes just a few minutes each day, but the benefits that you receive are long lasting. The only time that stretching can have a negative effect on the body is if you are currently injured or ill. If you do have a long term illness or if you are currently unwell, it would be a good idea to seek advice from your GP before you attempt any type of stretches.
What Are Stretches?
There are many different stretches that you can do and they all aim to stretch the muscles within the body. You slowly elongate the muscle and hold it when it is fully extended for a short period of time. It shouldn’t hurt and if it does it means that the stretch is not being done properly.
Many people don’t consider stretching to be a type of exercise. This is because they take up so little effort. However, stretching is a form of exercise and therefore it is important that you warm up before you begin stretching the body. Similarly it is also important to cool down too. | Amazon Price: $10.93 List Price: $21.95 |
 | Amazon Price: $8.84 List Price: $14.95 |
 | Amazon Price: $3.57 List Price: $16.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $1.12 List Price: $16.95 |
Benefits That You Can Expect
The benefits that you can expect from stretching include:
- Improved Circulation
- Relaxation
- Improved Flexibility
- Lower Muscle Tension
- More Energy
- Lower Risk of Injury
The above are just a few of the benefits that you can expect from daily stretching exercises. If you have a job that requires you to spend long periods of time sitting down, stretching can help with circulation.
By taking a few minutes to stretch your legs while at a desk can help you to improve your circulation. You will need to do both sitting down and standing stretches to work both your arms and your legs. A good stretch for the arms is to place your arm across your chest and hold onto the elbow with your other arm. Hold the stretch for 10 seconds on each arm. A good standing stretch is to raise one arm and bend it at the elbow. With the other arm hold the elbow and lean over to the side. Hold the stretch for 9 seconds on each side. The side that you lean to should be the opposite side to the arm that is raised.
Regular stretching also lowers your chance of injury. This is because your joints and your limbs can move further before they receive an injury. As stretching strengthens the tendons, it the chance of you receiving a sports injury will be much lower. Also, as you stretch your muscles they begin to loosen up a little which releases muscle tension. This will also increase flexibility as your muscles stretch further.
Overall there are many stretches that you can do for every muscle in the body. The two mentioned earlier can be used no matter where you are. If you regularly stretch every day you will soon start to see the benefits. Just remember to only hold the stretch for around 10 to 20 seconds.Related Hubs
CommentsLoading...
Thanks 'KickIntoFitness.' I can tell by you name you understand the benefits of getting and staying in good shape.
KickIntoFitness 22 months ago
Excellent article! Stretching also benefits muscle growth and muscle aesthetics considerably. Being flexible increases your range of motion which in turn enhances muscle growth. We often overlook that our muscles need room to grow.