Health Benefits of Stretching

You may hear the word “stretching” and think it’s something only athletes need to do. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Stretching keeps your muscles strong and flexible and is particularly important for healthy joints. If you don’t stretch, your muscles will become tighter over time, making physical activity more difficult. Stretching can also increase blood flow to your muscles, and in turn improve your body’s circulation. Although stretching is important for people of all ages, seniors in particular should stretch on a regular basis to reduce the risk of joint pain and muscle damage. 

Furthermore, did you know stretching could also help your body relax and destress? Stretching can be a great form of stress relief, especially if you combine stretching with meditation or soothing music to help clear your mind.

Now that you know the benefits of stretching, how do you get started? There are two main types of stretching: dynamic stretching and static stretching. Dynamic stretching is the type of stretch you do before you work out to prepare your muscles for action. This includes mild movements such as high kicks, hip rotations, and shoulder twists. Once you’re done with your physical activity of choice, you’ll want to wind down with static stretches. These stretches are held for short periods of time, about 10 to 30 seconds, and will vary depending on what muscle group you worked. You’ll want to set aside about 5 to 10 minutes for stretching every day, even on the days you don’t exercise.

However, to get the most benefits out of stretching, be sure to stretch before and after any physical activity.

Sources:

Harvard Health. (2019, September 25). The Importance of Stretching.  https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-importance-of-stretching.  

Lindberg, S. (2018, June 18). 9 Benefits of Stretching: How to Start, Safety Tips, and More. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-stretching.  

McCoy, J. (2020, December 24). 11 benefits of stretching that will make you want to move your body. SELF. https://www.self.com/story/benefits-of-stretching.