Why Stretching is so Important

Why Stretching is so Important

If you have ever participated in a group fitness class or worked with a personal trainer, you will know that stretching is almost always incorporated into a guided exercise session. You will generally be prompted to stretch at the beginning and end, as well as after working on each specific muscle group.

Along with hydration, nutrition, sleep, and the right footwear, stretching is an important part of any exercise regime. Establishing a habit of stretching before, during, and after your workouts will enhance your results and set you up for success.

While there are many different types of stretching techniques, the two most common are dynamic and static stretches. These stretches can be easily performed no matter where you work out, whether at a gym, pounding the pavements, or utilising at-home exercise equipment.

Dynamic stretches will prepare your muscles for movement and are generally done before exercise. These are active movements that are not held in position.

Static stretches are most impactful after you exercise and involve holding the stretch in a comfortable position for between 10 and 30 seconds

While there may be days when you do not exercise because your schedule is jam-packed or you have planned a rest day, stretching even on non-exercise days will ensure you maximise the benefits.

Here are six reasons to incorporate stretching into your daily routine:

1. Cold muscles and tendons are more likely to rupture, strain, or sprain when under pressure. Stretching as part of a warm-up routine prior to exercise will increase core body temperature and prepare your body for the more impactful movements you are about to make, reducing the risk of injury resulting from your workout
2. Whatever type of exercise you are doing, stretches will enhance your results by increasing blood flow to your muscles. This will shorten your recovery time and reduce muscle soreness, so you can exercise more consistently without experiencing pain and stiffness
3. Stretching your muscles regularly and consistently will help keep them supple and increase your range of motion and flexibility over time. This will not only help you achieve better results from your exercise routine, but it will also help you perform everyday activities more easily
4. Although nobody likes to acknowledge it, we are all getting older and one of the common impacts of aging is reduced mobility. The increased range of motion achieved by a regular stretching routine can help sustain mobility as you age, increasing longevity and enhancing your quality of life
5. Muscle imbalances are a leading cause of musculoskeletal pain. When you strengthen your muscles with exercise complemented by regular stretching, imbalances can be reduced or even removed. This will often result in better-aligned muscles and improved posture
6. Perhaps one of the most underacknowledged benefits of stretching is its potential to have a positive impact on our stress levels and mental health. Combining your daily stretching routine with mindful breathing techniques can help decrease anxiety, fatigue, and tension and reduce overall stress

At BeFit Hire we genuinely care about your health and fitness. Every single piece of BeFit Hire equipment is tested, cleaned and disinfected prior to delivery. We also have contactless delivery available if you are in voluntary or medically directed self-isolation or quarantine.

BeFit Hire has been hiring out home exercise equipment for more than 50 years. As a family business we pride ourselves on offering only the highest standard of service to every customer. We offer free delivery to most of metro Adelaide and Melbourne for most hire periods, and our expert agents are ready to advise the best type of home fitness equipment to help you achieve your individual fitness goals. Please get in touch today.

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