6 benefits of stretching daily
Holy hamstrings! I am tighter than tight these days especially my hamstrings and glutes. I know I need to incorporate stretching because I know the benefits of stretching daily.
Since I am lifting heavier and focusing on these muscles, my body is sore. Unfortunately, it’s par for the course.
If for no other reason than stretching for 5-10 minutes a day can give you some amazing benefits that will improve workouts and overall health.
My body is upset with me. I have found that when I am taking Bikram Yoga or Pilates, I am at my best. But because I am not stretching daily or in Bikram, my body needs work.
I’m not necessarily talking about mindless stretching either. Stretching can involve the entire body. If done right, stretching daily can be integrated with the training you are doing now.
What are the benefits of stretching daily?
Greater strength
Stretching increases strength by improving circulation and blood flow to the muscles. This not only provides greater nutrients to every muscle of the body but helps those muscles recover faster in between workouts. The increased blood flow helps prevent soreness and muscle fatigue during recovery periods and allows for more frequent high-intensity workouts.
Improves posture
Muscle imbalances are common and can lead to poor posture. You see people who like Hunchback of Notre Dame with their shoulders near their ears.
When your muscles are relaxed, you can and will sit taller.
Good for circulation
Lengthening and loosening the muscles helps dramatically with circulation. This will help reduce post-workout soreness and shorten recovery time and improve overall health.
Reduce stress
Stretching reduces stress by loosening the muscles and relieving built-up tension. When you’re experiencing stress, it’s a good chance your muscles are tense. Your muscles tend to tighten up in response to physical and emotional stress.
Increase range of motion
An increased range of motion in the joints has many benefits and stretching is the best way to achieve this.
I have found that increasing my hip flexibility is key in improving my range of motion. Static stretching helps me the most in this area.
Eliminates Lactic Acid
Muscle fatigue and soreness occurs due to the lactic acid produced by the body when you start exercising. Stretching and foam rolling helps to get rid of it and relaxes the muscles.
Does stretching daily take a lot of time?
No, it doesn’t. A stretching routine can take as little as 5 minutes, which we all have. You can do some dynamic stretching while in the kitchen cooking, in the living room watching TV or in the bathroom brushing your teeth. Static stretching doesn’t require a lot of time either.
Be sure to give yourself a good stretch, breathing into the muscle you’re stretching to further increase the stretch.
How often do you stretch?
I am a distance runner and I have stretches I like to do after my long runs. I don’t stretch as much during the week and really should do more! I know it doesn’t take very long, but somehow I seem to skip those good stretches. There are many reasons why we should stretch and this post shared the important ones!
Gwendolyn, I don’t think any of stretch as much as we should. I am trying to be better myself.
I do light stretching in bed before I get up in the morning and at night before I go to sleep, focusing on my calves, neck and back that are most tight. Makes a huge difference.
Marie, I need to be more consistent. When I am tight is good but need to do it daily too.
Glad I came across this post! I am 45, an athlete and lift weights, olympic lift and am very active. Stretching, rolling and yoga has truly allowed me to continue to do all that I love. As we age, we need more and more flexibility and injury prevention!
Stretching is so important but I must admit I’m lazy about it unless I’m in pain, lol.
Julie, I am lazy about it too. I need to be more consistent.
I really need to stretch more every day. I am getting into running (I did my first race and first half marathon in December), but I definitely am more lazy about it than I should be! Thank you for the reminder! 🙂
Cathy, Congrats on running your first half marathon. I remember half marathon fever where I ran all the time. I wouldn’t call your lack of stretching being lazy. I also need to be more consistent because I only really think about it when I am sore.