Your Stretches are Just Important As Your Exercise

We all need to stretch more. Stretching is a key form of physical exercise that should always accompany your other daily exercises or sports, but most people tend to skip doing their stretches. Routine stretching will increase your mobility and flexibility. 

Why Should You Stretch?

There are many benefits to regular stretching that may include:

Keeping your muscles strong and healthy throughout your life 

Maintaining a higher degree of range of motion or capability to move your joints

Decreasing your potential risk of injury

Mental and physical relaxation

There are lots of reasons to stretch. Incorporating the ritual of stretching with friends or family with any physical activity can be fun and a great benefit for everyone.

When Should You Stretch?

Contrary to popular belief, stretching is not a warm-up. If your muscles are cold, you can actually harm yourself while stretching. You should start to stretch after a low-intensity warm-up, such as walking, jogging, or biking for a few minutes. You can also warm your muscles by applying a heating pad or taking a hot shower/bath. After you’re done with your daily exercise, remember to stretch, too!

What Should You Do While Stretching? 

Hold your static stretches for about 30 seconds. If you stretch the left side of your body for 30 seconds, remember to stretch the right side of your body for another 30 seconds to maintain balance. Don’t bounce your body while you perform your stretching exercises. If you bounce while stretching, you can risk tearing your muscles. In addition to static stretching, you can try to incorporate “dynamic” or moving stretches to help aid your muscles. Many people like to include a foam roller as part of their routine. A foam roller can help alleviate some soreness sources and aid muscle recovery. Focus on breathing throughout your stretching practice. 

It’s important to remember that your stretches should not be painful. You’ll start to notice your flexibility will improve over time with consistent stretching.

What Stretches Should I Start With?

When you’re just starting to stretch daily, you should focus on the lower part of your body. Calves, hamstrings, hip flexors, and quadriceps are the four areas to pay particular attention to. You will need to adjust your stretching exercises if you have a pre-existing condition or injury. To help tailor your stretches to your needs and body, reaching out to a local physical therapist can be a great tool. They can teach you how to stretch safely and effectively. By working with a professional, you will set yourself up for success in the long term.

Stretching is an important routine to incorporate into your daily exercise routine. While you won’t notice increased flexibility overnight, with regular stretching, you will start to see a big difference in how your body feels. 

Learn More About Longevity Herbs

Along with daily stretching, consider adding a healthy vitamin or supplement to your diet if you want to keep your health needs covered. At Longevity Herbs, we are happy to help!

If you’d like to learn more about Longevity Herbs, browse our product selection online, or contact us today.