Andrea Nederveen, RMT - Registered Massage Therapist
The weather is great and we are all being active in our own ways like gardening, cycling, running and working out. But don’t forget to stretch! Stretching after activity is crucial for several reasons:
Improves Flexibility
Stretching helps to increase the range of motion in your joints and muscles. This is especially important after exercise, as muscles can become tight and shortened during intense activity. By stretching, you can maintain or even improve flexibility, which can enhance overall athletic performance and reduce the risk of injury.
Enhances Muscle Recovery
After a workout, muscles can become tight and fatigued due to repetitive motions and contractions. Stretching helps to relax muscles and increase blood flow to the muscles, which aids in the delivery of oxygen and nutrients necessary for repair and recovery. This can reduce muscle soreness and stiffness after exercise.
Reduces Risk of Injury
Tight muscles and restricted range of motion can increase the likelihood of injury during physical activity. Stretching helps to improve muscle elasticity and joint flexibility, which can improve your body's ability to move efficiently and with proper mechanics. This will help to reduce the risk of strains, sprains and other injuries.
Promotes Circulation
Stretching increases blood flow to the muscles, which can help to flush out metabolic by-products that accumulate during exercise. Improved circulation can also promote quicker recovery by delivering nutrients and oxygen to muscles and removing waste products more efficiently.
Enhances Relaxation and Mental Clarity
Stretching can have a calming effect on the body and mind. It can help to reduce tension and stress in muscles, promoting relaxation. This can contribute to mental clarity and a sense of well-being after a workout.
Improves Posture
Regular stretching can help to correct muscular imbalances and improve overall posture. This is important not only for aesthetic reasons but also for preventing musculoskeletal issues that can arise from poor posture.
For all of these reasons, please incorporate stretching into your post workout routine, whether you are doing heavy lifting, pickleball, gardening or a walk around the block. It can help you achieve better fitness results and maintain long-term health.
Wellness for the Body is here for you when you need that extra bit of help to maintain your range of motion and keep your muscles healthy. We can provide treatments such as a massage or chiropractic treatment and we can even show you some great stretches for your home care.
We wish you all a healthy and active summer!
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