When many people think about incorporating more activity into their exercise routine, images of cardio, sports or strength training often come to mind. Unfortunately, many of them also fail to consider one of the most powerful forms of movement for increasing overall health – stretching!
No matter what your fitness routine looks like, stretching should be an integral part of it. Incorporating stretching into your daily workouts is just as important to body function and health as regular exercise! While you may feel rushed to begin your workout and skip this crucial step, it’s important to take adequate time and stretch for a variety of different reasons.
Stretching on a Daily Basis Will Allow You to:
- Improve your energy levels – When we get tired, our muscles tighten and cause us to feel even more lethargic. By standing up to stretch, you can gain a helpful boost of energy that will make you more focused and alert.
- Reduce soreness – Stretching throughout the day, as well as before and after a workout, helps your muscles relax as they get a better nutrient supply and improved blood flow.
- Enhance your flexibility – Want to improve your range of motion? Try stretching! You’ll not only have more flexible joints, but you’ll also decrease your risk for injury.
- Promote blood circulation – Not only will increased blood flow help reduce muscle soreness, but it also promotes cell growth and organ function.
- Improve your posture – Stretching your muscles, especially in the lower back, shoulders and chest, can keep your back in better alignment and improve your posture.
- Relieve stress – Improving blood flow, taking the time to relax and building up stamina can boost your mood and make you feel more at ease.
Remember, you don’t need any special equipment to reap the benefits of stretching! Try doing it in the mornings, before you go to bed, and before and after you exercise to maximize each health benefit listed above. Not only will this help you improve your performance on your weight-loss journey, but it will help get your mind in the right spot, too!
