
When people think of stretching, some of them may think it is only for Olympic gymnasts or serious runners. This is far from the truth, as there are many advantages to stretching daily that even normal people can benefit from. Not only is stretching an important for fitness training, but it can also help increase your general flexibility and range of motion.
We all need to be flexible to maintain range of motion in our joints. Without having full range of motion, your muscles begin to shorten and become tight. This can make muscles weak and unable to extend all the way, putting you at risk for joint pain, strains, and muscle damage. Your muscles can become tight just by sitting in your chair at work for multiple hours a day, making it harder to fully extend your legs to walk. Additionally, if you don’t stretch before any strenuous activity, you are at a higher risk of damaging your muscles. So, it may be wise to start a daily stretching routine to avoid any future injuries.
Stretching prevents joint injuries by keeping muscles flexible, strong, and healthy. This allows us to live life to the fullest while protecting our mobility and independence. If you are new to doing stretching regularly, it is important to take it slow in the beginning. Just like many other forms of physical activity, your body needs time to adapt and get used to the stretches you may be performing. Doing this will allow you to get all the benefits of stretching without worrying about getting injured. It is important to continue to stretch daily, even when you are not exercising that day. Just make sure you can find time to get a good 5-to-10-minute stretch in.
Whether you are new to exercise, a professional athlete, or you just want to maintain your flexibility, everyone can benefit from a daily stretching routine. By incorporating a 5 minute daily stretch into your life, you will continue to be mobile and independent.
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Article written by William Graves.