Flexibility is typically thrown into a routine as an afterthought, or worse, forgotten entirely. A few quick toe touches and you’re done – off to the shower.
What few people realize is just how much stretching can do for your health, your mobility, aging, and even your workout results. Believe it or not, regular flexibility training will allow you to look and feel younger and more capable than your peers, especially as you age!
I’ve compiled a list of the most significant benefits stretching can provide across all aspects of your life. Remember, just because you don’t immediately see results doesn’t mean it’s not worth it! Flexibility is something that creates changes deep under the surface, to protect you as you move through daily activities and as you age. Here are just a few of the places stretching can help you…
At the Gym:
You’re less likely to injure yourself if your muscles are warmed-up and flexible before your workout. Once you’ve finished exercising, slow stretching can serve as a relaxing cool-down and will increase your range of motion over time. Stretching will also ease and decrease the amount of muscle soreness you’ll feel the next day. I know we all could benefit from that!
At the Office:
Sitting at a desk all day not only decreases your activity level, it causes a lot of poor postural habits that lead to neck and low-back pain. Regular stretching of those muscles, both during the day and after your workouts, will help to realign the soft tissues that have adapted to your office environment. This will improve your posture and reduce (possibly even eliminate!) those aches and pains.
As You Age:
Flexibility training increases the flow of blood and nutrients to your joints, improving circulation and tissue elasticity throughout your body. Your joints, in particular, benefit from this improved nutrient exchange since more blood and nutrients means healthy synovial fluid (the fluid around your joints). This, in turn, allows for a greater range of motion around the joint. Ultimately, highly functioning joints and tissue elasticity may decelerate joint degeneration as you age!
Every Day:
Stretching is a slow, relaxing activity that actually promotes relaxation and stress relief. At the end of your workout, it can function as a cool-down and a chance for you to focus on everything you accomplished that day. The act of stretching requires you to take deep, controlled breaths to calm your mind and your muscles – providing a meditative component to your workout. When you are stressed at work and don’t have the time to fit in a quick workout, just take a few minutes to stretch at your desk. You’ll feel refreshed and less stressed in no time.
Say goodbye to soreness with these quick stretches:
