Stretching can help to improve mobility, boost energy, fight off aches and pains, and prevent injury.
Why should you stretch at all?
Stretching is a great practice to incorporate into your daily routine, even if you don’t exercise often. Stretching keeps your muscles flexible and able to perform their entire range of motion. If you aren’t flexible enough, your muscles won’t extend to their full length, and you face a greater likelihood of muscle strain, joint pain and injury.
Incorporating stretches into your workout routine can improve your quality of life and performance.
Should you stretch before or after a workout? Actually, to maximize your fitness results, you should implement stretches before and after your workout.
Pre-Workout Stretching
To condition your body for rigorous exercise, ensure you stretch before you begin. You can incorporate warm-up exercises like jump squats and pushups, and dynamic stretching can also be in the form of high kicks and lunges.
Stretching for 5 to 10 minutes before a workout can be helpful in the following ways:
- Increasing Blood Flow
Heart-beat boosting activities like stretches increase blood flow to your muscles. You can try toe-touch kicks to prepare your body for strenuous exercise. If you are new to a game, consider a stretch specialist to expand your muscles before a workout.
- Reducing Chances of Injuries
Pre-exercising can reduce injury risks by removing tension and stiffness. You can be more flexible when you jog lightly and briskly walk before a workout. Leg swings for about 30 seconds can also be beneficial.
- Minimizing Fatigue
Active stretching with assistance from an expert reduces fatigue. Such stretches awaken dull joints, muscles, and tissues. Your energy levels will increase to assist you in managing rigorous exercises.
- Improving Performance
Flexibility stretches before a workout offers excellent speed and power. You can attain your fitness goals since you will have motivation from the start.
Post-Workout Stretching
After an exercise, you might get tempted to lay down and rest due to tiredness. Consider stretching after your workout as it can be beneficial in the following ways:
- Boosting Flexibility
Static stretching improves your overall flexibility. If you are overly exhausted after your workout, a stretchologist can help you. The professional uses the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) technique, which deeply stretches your body.
- Reducing Pain
Pain and muscle soreness after exercising is typical, and the root cause of the problem is lactic acid accumulation. Flexibility exercises can help reduce the amount of lactic acid in your system. You don’t have to worry about cramping when you stretch after a workout.
- Protecting Your Joints
Post-workout stretching minimizes stress and tightness in muscles and tissues that surround joints. You might need a range of motion on your knees, hips, and shoulders to shield your joints.
- Relaxing Your Body and Mind
Your mind and body gradually slow down with stretches.
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.
