Going to the gym and working out is a great way to maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, before diving into your workout routine, it’s important to warm up your body properly by stretching and doing mobility work. Stretching before and after every workout can do wonders for your muscles and can help reduce the risk of injury. Stretching will loosen up muscle tension which will reduce any aches or pains. In this blog, we’re going to explore the importance of stretching before and after your workouts.
Prevents Injury:
One of the most important benefits of stretching before and after your workout is injury prevention. Proper stretching can help increase your range of motion and also help loosen up tight muscles. Tight muscles can cause muscle strains, pulls, and can even cause joint pains. Incorporating stretching before and after your workout can help reduce the risk of injury and can even help you recover faster in case of an injury. When stretching add in the foam roller or vibrating roller to help push out old blood to bring in new blood. This will also help loosen up muscles. Spend at least 10 minutes before and after your workout to dedicate to stretching.
Enhances Flexibility:
Flexibility is something that can be improved with the help of stretching. As you stretch, the muscles expand and contract, which helps increase your flexibility. Incorporating stretching into your workout routine can help you move better and with more ease. Flexibility can help you during workouts and also in your day-to-day life. To become more flexible choose at least 2 different type stretches for the same muscle group. This will help improve even faster in your flexibility. Simple tasks like bending over to pick something up or reaching for something high can become easier with increased flexibility.
Increases Blood Flow:
Stretching before and after your workouts can help increase the flow of blood to your muscles. More blood flow means more oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, which can help them recover faster. Getting more oxygen to the muscles can also help reduce muscle soreness and can even help prevent muscle cramps. An essential tool for this would also be the foam roller or vibrating foam roller. It opens up your muscles for greater blood flow instantly.
Reduces Stress:
Workouts can be great for reducing stress, but did you know that stretching can also help with reducing stress levels? Stretching encourages deep breathing, which can help calm the mind and reduce stress levels. Stretching can also help release tension in the muscles, which can help you relax both physically and mentally. Take your time, breath and let your muscles go. Take this time to relax and think about positive things. Be one with your body during your stretching.
Improves Posture:
Sitting in front of a computer all day can take a toll on your posture. You will start to get headaches, pains running down your legs, knots in your back. Adding stretching to your workout routine can help improve your posture. Stretching can help loosen up tight muscles and also strengthen weaker muscles. Improved posture can help reduce the risk of back pain, neck pain and shoulder weakness/pain and also improves your overall appearance.
Stretching before and after your workout is essential for a healthy and injury-free workout experience. It’s important to remember that stretching should not be skipped or rushed, as it can be just as important as your actual workout routine. The benefits of stretching range from reducing the risk of injury to improving your overall posture. So, the next time you hit the gym, make sure you stretch before and after your workout to reap all the benefits of stretching.