The amount of time spent holding stretches depends on how sore you are and which muscles you want to focus on specifically. It is best to begin by understanding what happens when you stretch. Stretching Is Not Only for Muscles Although we think of flexibility as something that happens primarily in our muscles and joints, there are studies suggesting that flexibility in the body transfers to the circulatory system of veins and arteries as well. 1. If you don't stretch your muscles and connective tissue around the muscle, it will adaptively shorten. Don't bounce, which can cause injury. While some studies indicate stretching can help, other studies show that stretching before or after exercise has little benefit. can benefit from stretching.” –Shannon Miller. The question of why stretching and flexibility are necessary is not an easy one to answer, as there are many reasons. You may think of stretching as something performed only by runners or gymnasts. It also increases blood flow and nutrient supplies to the muscles, reducing the ache. Our muscles help us to talk, communicate and carry out daily functions. Being flexible has a lot of benefits, especially for combat athletes. Lots of reasons! Poor posture—a common and increasing problem—can easily be reversed and healed with daily stretching. The truth is that a daily stretch is just as important as, say, taking your vitamins. Stretching has long been recommended for injury prevention and athletic performance, but stretching shouldn’t be reserved for athletes alone. What’s the difference between your morning, roll-out-of-bed stretch and the stretch you do before exercise? Long car ride? Stretching provides your mind with a mental break. Everyone wants to move freely, but the importance of stretching and flexibility is also critical. That can make it harder to extend your leg or straighten your knee all the way, which inhibits walking. So Why Is Stretching Important? Over time, stretching will become easier for your body which results in improved flexibility. Stretching helps prevent back, neck, hips, and shoulders stiffness. Is one more important than the other? Stretching when you wake up is a great way to start your day; stretching before bedtime will help optimize your sleep. Stretching is important because it prevents muscles from tightening as you age. Why Stretching Is Important To maintain a range of motion in our joints, our muscles need to be flexible, strong, and healthy. An important element after intensive training is also reducing the heart rate. It’s not just professional athletes who should stretch before and after a competitive endeavor. All it takes to warm up the muscles before stretching is five to 10 minutes of light activity, such as a quick walk. Is one more important than the other? Why Stretching is so important? What’s the difference between your morning, roll-out-of-bed stretch and the stretch you do before exercise? "A lot of people don't understand that stretching has to happen on a regular basis. If you don’t use proper form when stretching, you are putting your body at risk of serious injury and you won’t benefit from all of the amazing things stretching can do for your body. By activating your account, you will create a login and password. The more you stretch, the less tense muscles will be. "It may have taken you many months to get tight muscles, so you're not going to be perfectly flexible after one or two sessions," says physical therapist David Nolan of Massachusetts General Hospital. When feeling overwhelmed, muscles tighten acting as a defensive strategy. Why is stretching important? Adopting a good stretching routine can have tons of physical and emotional benefits. Stretching is a great way to take a break from your busy day to recharge and strengthen your body and your mind. Stretching on a regular basis can have several health benefits. Why is Stretching Important? You'll need to do it over time and remain committed to the process. I do normal stretches but I also have spiced it up a bit when I found Shifu Yan Xin, he taught me some really cool stretching and breathing exercises (based in Chinese Kung Fu). Because stretching strengthens your muscles and encourages proper alignment, your body posture will be less slouched and more vertical. Then, when you call on the muscles for activity, they are weak and unable to extend all the way. Stretching is very important for flexibility, range of motion and injury prevention. You can also stretch after an aerobic or weight-training workout. Stretching benefits us in so many different ways, and below you can read 25 reasons why stretching is important. Why Stretching Is Just As Important As Exercise | Lifehacker Australia. It allows you to recharge and refresh the blood flow throughout your body, resulting in a calmer and more peaceful mindset. This is a complete research-backed guide to why stretching is important. Health. Simple rotational stretches throughout the day are extremely important if you drive, sit, or just stay in one place for a few hours of the day, Hahamian says. Stretching is important as it keeps the muscles healthy, strong and flexible. Find out why stretching is so important and how you can increase your flexibility and range of motion. Androgens, the family of male sex hormones that includes testosterone, function as a fuel for growth in normal development. By CoachUp.com; While stretching is normally incorporated at the beginning and end of practice, many times young athletes don't realize its importance. “When the thoracic spine becomes tight, it can create many problems up and down the chain of the body,” she says. It helps to increase your range of motion. 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