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There are numerous benefits of stretching. It is an essential activity for people of all ages, especially for those who lead a sedentary lifestyle.
The benefits of stretching involve moving your body in a way that lengthens your muscles and improves your range of motion.
Some of the Benefits of Stretching
Enhances flexibility - The benefits of stretching can enhance your flexibility, which is essential for your overall well-being. It not only enables you to perform everyday activities effortlessly but also delays the loss of mobility that comes with aging.
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Boosts range of motion - Having the ability to move a joint through its complete range of motion grants you more freedom of movement. Consistent stretching can aid in increasing your range of motion.
A study has revealed that both static and dynamic stretching are effective in boosting the range of motion. However, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching, which involves stretching a muscle to its limit, may yield immediate gains.
Improves physical performance - Engaging in dynamic stretches before physical activity prepares your muscles for the activity, enhancing your physical performance in an athletic event or exercise.
Increase muscle blood flow - Regular stretches can also improve your circulation, which increases blood flow to your muscles. This aids in reducing muscle soreness, shortening recovery time, and treating delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).
Enhances posture - Muscle imbalances are common and can lead to poor posture. Studies have shown that combining stretching with muscle group strengthening can reduce musculoskeletal pain, promote proper alignment, and enhance posture.
Aids in back pain prevention and relief - Tight muscles can decrease your range of motion and increase the likelihood of straining the muscles in your back. Stretching can help alleviate an existing back injury by lengthening the muscles.
A regular stretching routine can also prevent future back pain by strengthening your back muscles and reducing the risk of muscle strain.
Promotes stress relief - Stress causes muscle tension, leading to the tightening of your muscles. Stretching is an effective way of relieving stress by targeting areas where you tend to hold stress, such as your neck, shoulders, and upper back.
Importance of Stretching
There are many benefits of stretching, which is why it is crucial for maintaining flexible, strong, and healthy muscles, which is necessary for maintaining a full range of motion in the joints.
When muscles are not stretched regularly, they can become tight and shortened, which can result in weakness and limited extension when called upon for physical activity. This can increase the risk of joint pain, muscle strains, and damage.
For instance, prolonged sitting can cause tightness in the hamstrings at the back of the thigh, leading to difficulty in extending the leg or straightening the knee completely, which can hinder walking.
Moreover, when tight muscles are suddenly stretched during a strenuous activity like playing tennis, they may sustain damage due to the sudden force applied. Injured muscles may not be strong enough to support the joints, resulting in joint injuries.
