When it comes to keeping fit and doing exercises stretching is often ignored or not considered that important
. This could not be further from the truth. Stretching helps to relax your muscles before you exercise making them less prone to strains and tears. When you do physical activities your muscles contract and shorten. If they are not stretched out they can remain constricted. Over time this can cause problems with your bones having to adapt to the shorter length. Tight and constricted muscles will eventually limit your range of movement. This can cause implications to your health and athletic performance.
Another implication of not stretching regularly is a more stressful body.
This can be seen with many office workers who are hunched in front of their computer screens for long periods of time. This is very bad for your health and posture. Holding your body in a fixed position for a long time uses only certain muscles groups while others are neglected. This results in creating an imbalance in strength of the body.
Stretching has also many benefits. It can help increase blood circulation to ensure the blood vessels and organs receive the oxygen and nutrients they need to function properly. This also has the effect of cleaning out the build up off by-products and toxins from the body. It also helps to increase are mobility and flexibility in our joints.
Stretching does not only have to be done before exercising because it has relaxing qualities as well. If you feel sore after sitting for long periods of time then a good stretch can help to relieve the strain by stretching and relaxing your tense muscles. If you sit at a desk all day it is recommended you should take regular breaks and a few stretches to keep your body and joints supple.
If you have not stretched for a while try out the following routine to get you started:
You can use a yoga mat for this routine although, it is not compulsory. Lie with your back flat on the mat. Bring your knees up and bend them into your chest area. Hold both knees to increase the stretch. Hold the position and breathe in slowly for a count of eight. Hold your breath for a second. Breathe out slowly for the same count and relax your grasp on the knees a little.
If you have a medical condition always consult your doctor for advice before doing any new exercise.