Stretching Isn’t Only For Runners!
Stretching is an important part of your daily routine. If you don’t have a stretching regimen in place, you definitely need one! A good stretch is the perfect way to start your day no matter what age you are, or what your fitness level might be. According to the Mayo Clinic, “stretching can increase flexibility and improve your joints’ range of motion, helping you move more freely. And ensuring that you have equal flexibility on both sides might help protect you from injury.”
The benefits of stretching are never-ending, but here are 8 reasons why you should start doing it today. If you don’t know where to start, contact our office so that a physical therapist can help!
Stretching Boosts Your Energy Levels
Stretching is the best thing you can do first thing when you wake up. A few great stretches paired with deep breathing exercises can give you the burst of energy you need to start your day off right! If you start feeling tired or sluggish at work, take a stretch break and get those energy levels back up.
You’ll Be More Flexible
Physical therapy helps with improving flexibility and range of motion. Having better flexibility provides a multitude of benefits. It can improve your physical performance and reduce your chance of injury. The more flexible you are, they less energy your body requires to carry out every day actions.
Reduced Stress Levels
Too much stress in your body can cause your muscles to tighten and contract, which can leave you feeling extremely tense. We all carry stress in our bodies differently, but stretching can release endorphins which can relax you, boost your mood, and reduce the amount of stress you feel overall.
Excited to start getting into a stretching routine? Great! If you don’t know where to start, that’s OK. We’re here to help you. Contact our office today to set up an appointment with a physical therapist.
Stretching Gets Your Blood Flowing
One of the main benefits of stretching is that it improves your blood circulation. Blood carries oxygen to your cells and makes you healthier overall by promoting cell growth, and keeping your organs functioning. Your heart rate is also lowered by stretching. This reduces strain on your heart and makes your blood pressure more consistent. Better blood circulation from stretching also cuts down on the soreness you feel after working out! It’s a win-win situation no matter how you look at it.
Stretches Cuts Down On Chances of Injury
If you work in an office job at a desk, you might think you have little to no chance of ever seriously getting injured, right? Wrong! Take this situation for example. You have to bend over and pick up a 20 pound box of office supplies. Hours after, you notice your back is still aching. You may have pulled or strained a muscle and ended up in physical therapy to recover. However, if you stick to a regular stretching regimen, this probably won’t happen to you.
Higher Stamina and Less Muscle Soreness
Stretching before and after a heavy workout is also a good idea if you want to improve the stamina of your muscles. When you stretch, it increases the blood flow and oxygen levels going to those sore muscles. This means that necessary nutrients will have a clear path to the muscles, which in turn reduces soreness after your workout. You’ll experience much less post-workout fatigue if you stretch, and increase the amount of time in the future that you’re able to work out before feeling tired.
Your Posture Will Improve
If you work a desk job, you’ll find yourself sitting a lot more than is healthy, and slouching as well. Stretching every day at work can help your posture by lengthening muscles in your back that tend to tighten up over the course of a work day. Focusing on your chest, shoulders, and lower back can help with keeping your spine aligned. Stretching regularly also relieves aches and pains that can cause you to want to slouch in the first place.
Cholesterol Improvements
If you struggle with lowering your cholesterol, here’s some more good news. Stretching regularly helps reduce cholesterol as long as you’re also eating a heart-healthy diet. This is especially important to avoid heath disease and other heart related conditions. Stretching has even been shown to reverse the effects of arteries hardening due to high levels of cholesterol.
Get Started Today With Your Treatment
If you’re interested in learning more about how to start implementing a healthy stretching routine, contact our office today and set up a consultation. One of our licensed physical therapists will be able to discuss your needs, do an evaluation, and show you the best ways for you to stretch at home and stay limber!
