Is Stretching Important?

Stretching lengthens your muscles and reduces stiffness. Stretching also has the potential to stimulate the release of pain-reducing endorphins and improve your circulation. Adding even a few minutes of stretching to your daily routine can help you reap the potential benefits. Some of the benefits of regular stretching include:

• Improved flexibility. Stretching can help lengthen your muscles and improve your range of motion.
• Better circulation. Regular stretching may have both short-term and long-term benefits on your circulatory health.
• Reduced injury risk. Improving your range of motion can potentially decrease your risk of muscular injury.
• Less back pain. Stretching your muscles can help ease and prevent back pain by strengthening your back muscles.
• Improved athletic performance. Improved joint movement and flexibility may help boost your athletic ability.
• Less stress. Many people find stretching relaxing. Stretching activates your parasympathetic nervous system, which can help induce calmness.
• Better posture. Tight muscles can pull your body into poor posture. Combining a stretching program with core strengthening may help improve your alignment.

Start your own routine by taking a few minutes of your day to stretch your major muscle groups, start small and build up the duration over time. You will feel the difference in a short amount of time, and as you gain more flexibility, you can be more adventurous and try more intense stretches. Yoga is an excellent way to stretch dormant muscles, you could try a sun salutation routine in the morning, or you can use bitesize exercises to concentrate on specific areas in your body, ie shoulders or lower back.