Stretching and its Benefits
Stretching can be very beneficial for health when practised on a regular basis. Stretching is a vital activity required before any kind of physical exercise. But stretching every day regardless of any physical activity is important as well.
Some benefits of stretching are given below:-
Improves performance in physical activities.
Improves posture.
Decreases risk of injuries during workouts.
Help movement of joints through their full range of motion.
Increases flow of blood in the muscles.
Enable the muscles to work flexibly
Improves internal strength to perform regular activities
Stretching for Good Posture
Tight muscles can cause poor posture. The muscles of the chest, back and hips can cause poor posture if they are tight. Poor posture leads to rounded shoulders and forward leaning. Poor posture in the upper back causes unwanted pressure in the lower back and thus develops pain. Also, for tight hamstrings or hip flexors, the lower back compensates and can develop pain. This can be improved by stretching the pectoralis, upper trapezius, and hamstring muscles as well as the leg muscles.
Stretching for Range of Motion
Stretching can improve range of motion. We can counteract this by stretching regularly. Even if range of motion in some joints is limited, stretching can help to improve this.
Stretching to prevent Injury
Stretching can help prevent injury. Stretching before physical activity specifically helps prevent injury by increasing blood flow to the muscles, warming them up, and decreasing any tightness. This helps to prevent a strain or a tear in the muscle. Stretching can decrease muscle soreness.
If you have soreness in a muscle or muscle group from a recent workout or from a muscle strain, stretching can help relieve some of this discomfort.
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Should I Stretch Before or After A Workout?
Both pre- and post-exercise stretches are important. The two stretching sessions serve separate purposes and thus consist of very different movements. Dynamic stretching is usually performed before a workout and static stretching is done after a workout.
Post-workout stretches, also known as maintenance stretches, helps to remove lactic acid out of the muscles and decrease soreness. These types of stretches also causes blood flow regulation in the body. It helps the muscles to regain their shape and improve in the next exercise activity.