Stretching, for me and I’m sure so many people is…”the thing I should do more often but don’t”. Just finding the time to do a workout can be hard, let alone trying to stretch before and after. Trust me, I know, some of us are just thankful we remember out workout clothes and tennis shoes. Growing up, I played sports often; softball, soccer, track, and cross county and was required to stretch daily. Now that stretching isn’t required, I’m getting older, and my life in general is super busy…there’s not much time for stretching. Now that I’m getting older and doing more strength and cardio workouts, I’ve found stiffness in my muscles and joints if I don’t stretch.
Stiffness, aches and pains, I have absolutely no time for. I’m getting older but I’m still young, trying to live my best life. Stretching for me, again, isn’t an option…it’s something I have to do. Now as for you, should you even bother to stretch? You decide, below are six benefits to stretching for your health physically and mentally:
Should You Even Bother to Stretch?
1. Increases Your Flexibility
Stretching can increase your flexibility and increase any delayed mobility that comes with aging gracefully to perform daily activities.
2. Improves Your Performance in Physical Activities
It’s important to stretch and preparing your muscles before performing any workouts. Dynamic Stretches, like a lunge with a twist is a dynamic stretch, that engages your hips, legs, and core muscles. These are great stretches for athletic exercises or events.
3. Increases Blood Flow to Your Muscles
Stretching on a regular basis increases, circulation and blood flow, which assist in muscle recovery and reduces soreness.
4. Is Great for Stress Relief
If your muscles or tense, it can be a good chance your stressed or tense. Physical and emotional stress can cause you to hold tension in various areas of your body including your: neck, shoulders and upper body.
5. Helps Decrease Headaches
Tension in your neck, shoulders and upper body can interfere with how you function on a daily basis. Stretching can help reduce headaches with a proper diet, rest, and water consumption.
6. Can Calm Your Mind
Having a calm mind is essential for your physical and emotional health. Regularly stretching focuses on mindfulness and meditation, it calms your mind and give you a mental break.
Thank you so much for reading and #SimplyBe!