Benefits of Stretch Exercising

The body is supposed to be flexible and is designed to be flexible. You must be able to
bend and reach an item that has fallen onto the floor. You must be able to zip the back
of your favorite dress on your own. You must be able to reach that book you need to
read which is setting on the top shelf.

These are simple activities. Nothing grand about them, you merely stretched out a bit.
However, if there are difficulties in doing such simple motions, then you have to
�s-t-r-e-t-c-h� to reach your limits. You may need to begin a stretching program.

A). What Is Stretching?

Stretching is the act of extending the body to full length or some part of it. This
activity involves straightening or stretching the bodily frame and its limbs.

B). How Does One Do the Stretching?

Stretching is fairly easy. As mentioned in the introduction, it is involved in our
normal activities. It can be done by any person, regardless of age.

However the extent of stretching and flexing differs. The muscles tighten as a person
ages. The range of joint movements can be minimized. This can very well obstruct an
on-the-go lifestyle. That is why as the person grows older, bending or flexing becomes
more limited. This is why stretching regularly, as part of a routine is very important.
There is a cousin seventeen years my senior who said his doctor would always emphasize
to focus more on exercise that stretch rather than exercise that strengthen.

Simple stretches can be done each and every day. It can be integrated into your lifestyle
and daily activities. Finding opportunity to do simple stretches does not require much of
your time.

Stretching exercises can also be done while training. Actually, stretching is an essential
part of any training or sport. It must be done first before anything else. Stretching the
body and the limbs is a good preparation for a more rigorous activity or exercise session.

Most athletes would do the sit and reach, wherein they position on the floor, extend their
legs and reach the tip of their foot with the tip of their hand. Actually, most trainers actually
require their athletes to really do the stretching before playing.

There is actually an ideal length of time in stretching. It is best to do it in 10 minutes.
This will give the body enough opportunity to move and flex the muscles, thus preparing
it for more complicated and strenuous movements.

Experts however would frown upon going way beyond 10 minutes. Stretching the exercise
to 30 minutes or more will already wear out the body. This will not be favorable if one is
preparing for a game.

C). What Are the Benefits of Stretching?

1. Increase the Range of Movement

As one constantly do the stretching exercises, the length of the muscles and the tendons
are also increased. This will help to increase the range of your movement. Thus, the limbs
and joints will be able to move, way before an injury can take place. You are definitely
physically fit.

2. Increased Ability to Perform Skills

When you have a wide range of movement, the more you will be able to do more things.
For example, you can jump high without feeling any pain when you land back on the floor.
This will also help you start a new sport or improve more if you are in one. Stretching in
this aspect also allows you to have a more active lifestyle.

3. Injury Prevention

One can prevent injury to joints, tendons and muscles with stretching. When the muscles
and tendons are well-flexed, they are considered in good working order. This will help in
a faster recovery and decreased soreness. The muscles of the body will be able to take
more exhausting and rigorous movements with less probability of being injured.

4. Reduce Muscle Tension

If the muscles are given their regular exercises and stretching, it is less likely that they
will contract. This will definitely relieve you of any muscle pain or problems.

5. Enhance Energy

Being able to move more will also give you more energy. Stretching will also help enhance
your awareness, like knowing that you have a body that is capable of doing many things. As
such, you are going to be more driven to move rather than sulk in the corner.

6. Reduces Cholesterol

Research also shows that doing prolonged stretching exercises, like yoga, will help reduce
the cholesterol in the body. This of course must be done with a healthy diet at hand. This
could prevent and even reverse the hardening of the arteries, allowing you to avoid coronary
diseases.