Why is stretching so important? The benefits will surprise you
Many people think that stretching as something performed only by runners or gymnasts. But we all need to practice stretching in order to protect our mobility and independence. “A lot of people do not understand that stretching has to happen on a regularly.
What is the importance of stretching
Stretching keeps the muscles flexible. Have a strong, and healthy body. We need that flexibility to maintain a range of motion in the joints. Without stretching, the muscles shorten and become tight.
If you do not stretch regularly , when you call on the muscles for activity, they are weak and unable to extend all the way.
This will result in putting you at risk for joint pain, strains, and muscle damage. For example, sitting in a chair for very long will result into tight hamstrings in the back of the thigh.
This will make it very hard to extend your legs or straighten your knees all the way, which inhibits walking.Â
In the same way, when tight muscles are suddenly called on for a strenuous activity that stretches them, for example doing sport like playing tennis, they may become damaged from suddenly being stretched.
 If muscles are injured, they may not be strong enough to support the joints. This will result into joint injury.
When regularly stretch, your muscles are kept long, lean, and flexible. This means that exertion will not put too much force on the muscle itself.
Healthy muscles also help you with balance problems to avoid falling.
Where to start when stretching
When it comes to a body full of muscles, the norm of daily stretching may seem overwhelming. You don’t have to stretch every muscle you have. The body areas critical for mobility are in your lower extremities.Â
These are your calves, your hamstrings, your hip flexors in the pelvis and quadriceps in the front of the thigh. Also stretching the shoulders, neck, and lower back is beneficial.
You should aim for a program of daily stretches and at least three or four times in a week.
Try finding a physical therapist your local area. This is a good place to start. He / she will assess your muscle strength and tailor a stretching program to fit your needs.
In case you have chronic conditions, for example Parkinson’s disease or arthritis. You will want to clear a new stretching regimen with your doctor before you start.
The cumulative effect of stretching
We you stretch once today, it will not magically give you perfect flexibility. You will have to do it over time and remain committed to the process to be flexible.
it will take weeks to months to get flexible, and you will have to continue working on it to maintain flexibility.
Hamstring stretching will keep the muscles in the back of your thigh flexible. Try sitting on the floor with your legs in front of you.
Slide your hands down your legs until you feel a burning sensation. Hold for thirty seconds, then slowly return to a sitting position.
