Benefits of Stretching - NL-051
Stretching has many health benefits. Whether you want to improve flexibility and mobility, relax your body or loosen tight muscles, stretching can help in a lot of areas. And the best part about stretching is that you can perform this exercise anywhere. Why should you add stretching to your fitness routine? Here are some reasons.
6 benefits of stretching
1. Improves your flexibility: Maintaining a regular stretching routine strengthens your muscles and improves your range of motion of joints. This helps improve your flexibility and mobility, and also reduces your risk of muscle and joint injury. For people with limited mobility, stretching can be a very useful form of exercise to get some movement. Improved mobility and flexibility makes it easier to perform day to day activities and improves quality of life
2. Improves blood circulation: Stretching a muscle relaxes blood vessels and allows more oxygen and nutrients to reach the stretched muscles. Better circulation also means muscles can effectively remove toxins and metabolic waste. In this way, stretching improves muscle health, boosts exercise performance and reduces muscle fatigue.
3. Supports heart health: Simple stretches can be really helpful in improving blood circulation throughout the body, which supports heart health. Studies show that stretching improves endothelial functions and that regular leg stretching can help against heart disease, stroke and diabetes by improving the flow of blood. [1] A good stretching technique, when combined with other forms of exercises can go a long way in supporting your circulatory and heart health.
4. Prepares the body for exercise: Performing stretches before and after any physical activity reduces the risk of muscle injury. Pre-workout stretches, especially dynamic stretches, prepare the body for a more effective session. On the other hand, static stretches with full focus on breathing, helps the muscles to calm down and recover faster.
5. Eases muscle tightness: Sitting for long hours (physical stress) at your desk or emotional stress can cause muscle tightness. This can cause pain, especially around neck, shoulders, head and back. Tense muscles also tend to increase your risk of injury. Regular stretching helps loosen tight muscles, provides stress relief and reduces your risk of sprains. Performing the right stretches can help relieve tension headaches and reduce back pain.
6. Relaxes the body and mind: A healthy stretch always feels good. This is because the simple act of stretching can trigger a lot of positive changes in the body. Stretching improves blood circulation, loosens tense muscles and activates the part of nervous system that allows the body and mind to feel relaxed.
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