When many people think about incorporating more activity into their exercise routine, images of cardio, sports or strength training often spring to mind. Unfortunately, many of them also fail to consider one of the most powerful types of movement for increasing overall health – stretching!
No appear your fitness routine looks like, stretching should be an integral part of it. Incorporating stretching to your daily workouts is just as vital that you body function and health as physical exercise! While you may feel rushed to start 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 will 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 parts of 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 just have more flexible joints, but you’ll also decrease your risk for injury.
- Promote blood flow – Not only will increased blood flow reduce muscle soreness, but it also promotes cell growth and organ function.
- Improve your posture – Stretching parts of your muscles, especially in the lower back, shoulders and chest, will 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 within the mornings, before you go to bed, and pre and post 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!