How often do you stretch? Every day? Before a workout? After a workout? Unless you already stretch every day, you need to change your habit. Even if you do stretch every day, are you stretching as you should?
Stretching offers a whole host of benefits. It stimulates the blood to flow throughout the body and to the muscles where it’s needed. This not only dramatically boosts muscle strength and health, but also results in leaner muscles. Stretching also helps reduce muscle injuries while exercising.
While you may think of stretching only as a way of loosening up before a workout, it is in fact a low impact exercise itself. Because of this, it is actually important that you loosen up a little before you start your stretching routine. Start with some moderate running on the spot for a couple of minutes while gently shaking your arms.
You should really aim to stretch every day for the best results. It can be an exercise activity on its own, but to get the most out of stretching, incorporate it into your workout routine.
Of course, stretching near the beginning of a workout will reduce your chances of suffering muscle sprains and strains. In fact, you should never start a workout until you have done some stretching.
However, the optimal time for stretching is after a workout when your body is suppler and you can stretch more easily.
Here are two tips for the best stretching:
Stretch gently and listen to your body. If you feel any pain, then this is your body telling you that you stretching too far. If a stretch is comfortable, hold it for about 30 seconds, before switching to the other side (arm, leg, etc.) and repeating.
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