It is important to do some good stretches before starting any other type of exercise. It is not enough to stretch a few times a week. Stretching is an essential part of each and every exercise plan that you set because it helps you warm up your muscles and get them ready for the harder work that is to come.
Failing to stretch can lead to muscle injuries that will delay your ability to accomplish your workout goals. When you are trying to get in shape, pulled and torn muscles are things that you cannot afford.
The stretching exercises that you choose do not have to be the most complicated or fancy — they just need to work. Not every stretching exercise will work for everyone. Like any type of exercise, there are different levels of stretching exercises.
So it is important to figure out which ones are appropriate for your body and your exercise plan. If you are just starting out, you should not try advanced yoga. Advanced levels of stretching are something you need to gradually work towards just as you would any other type of exercise.
With this in mind, begin with simple stretching exercises. Doing so will help you get your whole body in shape. Hurting yourself by doing stretches you are not ready for will keep you from being able to do your other exercises. You do not want to miss even one or two days of exercise in the beginning as this can seriously throw you off, so stick with a plan that is suited for a newcomer and work your way up.
What Is Stretching?
Put simply, stretching is the act of extending your body to the limit of its lengths. That might mean stretching your back, your arms, or your legs. Your body gets pulled taut as you stretch the structure of your limbs.
How Does One Do the Stretching?
Thankfully, stretching is easy and does not require any special equipment. No matter what your age or fitness level, you can stretch your body and improve your movement.
Your fitness level and flexibility will dictate the level of stretches that you are able to complete. Muscles tighten as aging occurs, and joints lock up. However, stretching frequently can prevent joints and muscles stiffening up, and thus will ensure that even as you age, you still have a full and comfortable range of music.
Stretches are simple and should be done every day. They can easily become part of your lifestyle, as they do not take much time at all. Simple stretches before and after workouts can improve your workout time, ability and level of competence. Stretching improves your ability to play a sport or exercise well and effectively.
Essential stretches include stretching ones leg by trying to touch ones toes. Stretching is a requirement before any type of sports. The best length of time for stretching is 10 minutes. This allows the body to flex, move and stretch itself for my strenuous movements. Once the body is stretched and warm, movement will become easier and more fluid.
However, stretching for longer than ten minutes can cause exhaustion and injury to the muscles.
What Are the Benefits of Stretching?
- Increased Movement — Continuous stretching allows the muscles to strengthen and lengthen, giving an increased range of movement. As limbs and joints ease, warm and stretch, your level of fitness increases and so does the range of movement and flexibility. Basically, it is a win-win situation.
- Improved Ability to Perform — As your range of movement increases and improves, so does your skill-set. You will be able to jump with greater success, improve your current ability to play sports, and help you develop a healthier and far more active lifestyle.
- Injury Prevention — Stretching is essential in preventing injuries. When you muscles are flexible, and you can move well, you have less change of damaging them when you exert yourself. Added to this, you will develop a tolerance for soreness from exercise. You will eventually be able to handle more strenuous movement without damaging your body.
- Reduced Muscle Tension — Increased stretching and motion limit the likelihood of cramping and contracting, this releasing muscle tension and pain, especially in areas like the shoulders and neck.
- Increase in Energy — Increased flexibility and movement helps to improve your energy. When you are spending less energy on your muscle movements, you have increased energy to use on other things. This will improve not only your physical well-being, but your emotional and mental health as well, as you become more active.
- Reduces Cholesterol — Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of stretching is its ability to reduce cholesterol. Prolonged stretching exercises can reduce cholesterol when paired with a healthy and well balanced diet.
From the above, it is clear that stretching is not only an essential part of a daily routine, but that it has overwhelming benefits for your health and well-being. You do not have to take more than 10 minutes out of your day, bending and flexing during your usual daily routine. Also it is totally necessary to stretch before working out to prevent muscle injuries.