The Importance of a Stretching Routine
Even though most people were taught stretching in P.E. class as a child, many take keeping a stretching routine for granted. There are many benefits of having a good stretching routine. Here are just a few.
Reduce Stress
Having a stretching routine can greatly reduce both mental and body stress, increasing calm and well-being. Some simple stress relieving exercises can be the neck roll and the wall stretch. The neck roll can be done simply by leaning your head down towards your chest, then slowly roll it to the right and then to the left. Do not move in a fast or jerking motions because this can easily pull a muscle. The wall stretch is done by lying in an L position, with your legs and buttocks firmly against a wall, with your back and head resting on the floor. Both of these stretches relieve tension in the back and shoulders. Other good stress relieving stretches can be found online.
Back Pain and Posture
Most simple back pain can be cured with a stretching routine. It is important to find stretches that target the part of the back you are having the most trouble with. Simply touching your toes can be an effective preventer of back pain.
Good posture also helps to relieve back pain. Strong, limber muscles are the key to better poster and the best way to get there is through a stretching routine.
A good stretch to start out with is the wire stretch. Pretend that there is a wire attached to the top of your head and that it is slowly pulling your head higher and higher. Your neck will elongate, your shoulders will straighten, and your back will un-slump. Your body is now in perfect posture.
Prevent Injury
Athletes know that a stretching routine can prevent serious injuries to the muscles, that is why you see them stretching before pitching, batting, mounting the parallel bars, and other athletic activities. Even athletically inept people can benefit from stretching.
Stretching before and after a workout is very important. Start by walking in place for five minutes to warm up your muscles. Stretches are more effective when the muscles are warm because the muscles are much like modeling clay. Clay is much easier to mold if it is warmed by the hands first and similarly, muscles stretch better if warmed by light exercise. Start your stretches by performing them with slow and deliberate motions. Then, stretch after your workout before your muscles cool down too much.
As you can see, there are many benefits to having a stretching routine. It is important to do all stretches slowly, and to consult your doctor if you are experiencing any pain when performing stretches.
