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body is flexible. It is supposed to be flexible. You must be
able to bend and reach that something you dropped on the floor.
You must be able to zip the back of your favorite dress on your
own. You must be able to reach that book you need to read at the
top shelf.
These are simple activities. Nothing grand about them, you
merely stretched out a bit. However, if there are difficulties
in doing such simple motions, then you have to stretch your
limits. You already need a stretching program.
What Is Stretching?
Stretching is simply the act of extending to full length the
body or simply a part of it. This activity involves
straightening or stretching the structure or the limbs.
How Does One Do the Stretching?
Stretching is fairly easy. As mentioned in the introduction, it
is involved in the normal activities. It can be done by any
people, regardless of age.
However the extent of stretching and flexing differs. The
muscles tighten as a person ages. The range of joint movements
can be minimized. This can very well obstruct an on-the-go
lifestyle. That is why as the person grows older, bending or
flexing becomes more limited. This is why stretching regularly,
as part of a routine is very important.
Simple stretches can be done everyday. It can be incorporated in
the lifestyle and the daily activities. It does not require much
of your time.
Stretching exercises can also be done while training. Actually,
stretching is an essential part of any training or sport. It
must be done first before anything else. Stretching the body and
the limbs is a good preparation for a more rigorous activity.
Most athletes would do the sit and reach, wherein they position
on the floor, extend their legs and reach the tip of their foot
with the tip of their hand. Actually, most trainers actually
require their athletes to really do the stretching before
playing.
There is actually an ideal length of time in stretching. It is
best to do it in 10 minutes. This will give the body enough
opportunity to move and flex the muscles, thus preparing it for
more complicated and strenuous movements.
Experts however would frown upon going way beyond 10 minutes.
Stretching the exercise to 30 minutes or more will already wear
out the body. This will not be favorable if one is preparing for
a game.
What Are the Benefits of Stretching?
1. Increase the Range of Movement
As one constantly do the stretching exercises, the length of the
muscles and the tendons are also increased. This will help in
increasing the range of your movement. Thus, the limbs and
joints will be able to move, way before an injury can take
place. You are definitely physically fit.
2. Increased Ability to Perform Skills
When you have a wide range of movement, the more you will be
able to do more things. For example, you can jump high without
feeling any pain when you land back on the floor. This will also
help you start a new sport or improve more if you are in one.
Stretching in this aspect also allows you to have a more active
lifestyle.
3. Injury Prevention
One can prevent injury to joints, tendons and muscles with
stretching. When the muscles and tendons are well-flexed, they
are considered in good working order. This will help in a faster
recovery and decreased soreness. The muscles of the body will be
able to take more exhausting and rigorous movements with less
probability of being injured.
4. Reduce Muscle Tension
If the muscles are given their regular exercises and stretching,
it is less likely that they will contract. This will definitely
relieve you of any muscle pain or problems.
5. Enhance Energy
Being able to move more will also give you more energy.
Stretching will also help enhance your awareness, like knowing
that you have a body that is capable of doing many things. As
such, you are going to be more driven to move rather than sulk
in the corner.
6. Reduces Cholesterol
Research also shows that doing prolonged stretching exercises,
like yoga, will help reduce the cholesterol in the body. This of
course must be done with a healthy diet at hand. This could
prevent and even reverse the hardening of the arteries, allowing
you to avoid coronary diseases.
Incorporate stretching in your everyday lifestyle. It has
benefits you can not say no to. It also does not require much.
It can be your usual activities, bending and flexing every now
and then. After all, your fitness is everything so do what it
takes to keep the body healthy.
Other
Valuable Weight Loss, Health, and Dieting Websites:
WebMD.com
MayoClinic.com
About.com
CNN Health
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