Stretch it out

2 Sep

Written By

Stretching is incredibly beneficial for both our mind and body, although it often gets made a last priority!

It may seem time consuming, but it it doesn’t have to be! Even five minutes before bed or after a workout, or first thing in the morning will see you and your muscles reaping in the benefits.

Here are a few of the benefits of incorporating stretching into your days.

Decrease soreness

We all know that feeling a day or two after a big workout, the tightness, and sore muscles. This is known as DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) and is a feeling many of us know all too well. Whilst we can’t prevent DOMS, we can do things to reduce it. Stretching and warming up before your workout will increase the blood flow to the targeted areas before training them, ensuring your muscles are warm and ready. Post work out, taking time to stretch will allow your body enough time to cool down, while lengthening the muscles you worked.

Increase your range of motion

Stretching lengthens the targeted muscles, increasing blood flow to the region and allowing them to become more flexible, strong, and healthy. Flexibility looks different for everyone, but stretching allows us to maintain the range of motion in our joints, which will not only benefit our workouts but will improve our functionality in day-to-day life.

Calming the mind

When we are exercising, we are putting our bodies into moments of stress. This means our heart rate increases, breathing becomes shallow, and muscles tighten. Stretching post-workout allows us to take the correct time to slow down and recover, slow down our breathing, and calm our minds. It also helps get ahold of the adrenaline you just created during your training.

Improved muscle recruitment

Stretching and warming up before a workout increases awareness surrounding the muscles you’re trying to target during your workout. Mind muscle connection is really important while working out, as it ensures you are recruiting the correct muscles and executing good form. This also helps prevent injuries!