A while back I had posted to my IG (@ellejanae) and I had asked everyone a simple question. How often do you stretch? I decided to conduct a poll and my findings were 67% said yes, which took me by surprise, let me tell you why. I'm at the gym 5 days a week and I only see on average from the time I am there only 30-40 people stretch. Yes that may seem like a lot but on average from 5 pm - 7 pm, there are at least 150+ people occupying the gym space. Just like exercising is essential for you physical fitness and overall health, stretching is as well. There are 5 components of physical fitness and FLEXIBILITY is one of them, here are some key benefits of why you should incorporate stretching into your daily routine and or workout.
Stretching aids in the task of being able to move a joint through it's full ROM (range of motion). When you stretch you are loosening and lengthening those muscles to make task such as bending and reaching much easier. Since this shutdown has occurred, gyms and workout facilities have been closed nation wide and my workouts have been limited to the confinement of my 1 bedroom apartment. I really haven't been including stretching into my routine, that is until the other day I decided to step outdoors to do a workout. By the next morning I was stiff and sore due to the lack of stretching. I have since then been thoroughly stretching everyday, and I have dedicated my Sundays to stretch for at least 30 minutes, either doing yoga or my routine stretches.
Another key benefit of stretching is the reduced chances of injury. It helps prepare the muscles for a workout or your day to day labor. You can avoid tears, sprains, strains and unnecessary hospital bills if you incorporate stretching either before or after any physical activity.
Stretching increases blood flow to the area that is being stretched which in return feeds the muscle with oxygen and essential nutrients. Not only is it feeding your skeletal muscles with oxygen and nutrients but your vital organs and cells as well. With this increase in blood flow it helps the muscle(s) perform to the best of its ability. Lengthening your body through stretching your keeps your BP (blood pressure) balanced and your heart from being overworked and fatigued.
If you happen to suffer from joint pain and or back pain, stretching can aid in the relief of these types of issues. A few weeks ago I found myself in agonizing pain due to a sprained ankle. I was told to stay off of it for a week or so and be sure to ice it and elevate. My physician also recommended that I do routine stretches once the swelling had subsided. The stretches helped relieve the pain and the stiffness I was experiencing due to my injury.
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