What is the one thing we have always been told to do before starting a workout? If you answered stretch, then you’re on the right track. Many of us are guilty of skipping a stretch and jumping right into the middle of our exercise routines, but the truth is that skipping that first crucial step means we’re doing ourselves a disservice. Stretching is an important component of general health. Let’s explore how! Stretching is important – but why? What’s the difference between your morning roll-out-of-bed stretch and the stretch you do before exercise? Is one more important than the other? The truth is that a daily stretch is just as important as, say, taking your vitamins. Stretching, which is the full extension of your muscles, has a lot of benefits that can help you live healthier, including:
Release Tension
Tensions tend to build up in our muscles, particularly those in our necks, shoulders, and backs, where we tend to store stress. A good stretch is more effective than a massage when relieving the tension from everyday demands in our muscles. Exercises like yoga and pilates are designed to help us stretch for the sole purpose of releasing that tension.
Maintains Flexibility and Range and Motion
As we get older, the range of motion in our joints can begin to shorten and make it more difficult to bend, twist, and reach. Daily stretches can help maintain your range of motion and also extend your flexibility. In fact, you can track the progress of your flexibility with daily stretches much more easily than other exercises, such as finally being able to reach your toes without bending your knees.
