The Nurturing Well by: Jill Starbuck
Most of us can agree that one of the best physical feelings is a nice big stretch. You know the one after you’ve been sitting in a car or at a desk for hours? Or the one after you wake up in the morning? These types of stretches are instinctive. We just do them out of necessity. They help us rejuvenate by increasing blood flow and loosening tight muscles. While these types of stretches come automatically, the majority of us need to make a conscious effort to stretch more often. Every day in fact.
In addition to loosening tight muscles and improving circulation, the following list identifies more benefits of stretching. These are just a few of the reasons we should incorporate stretching into our daily lives.
1. Increases flexibility and range of motion. Have you ever tried to get up from a chair after sitting for long periods only to find it takes a few minutes to stand up straight? As we age, we no longer have the same ability to bounce back from inactivity as we had when we were children. Both overuse and inactivity cause us to become stiff and achy.
2. Reduces risk of injury. By increasing your flexibility and range of motion, you are less likely to become injured. When we try to lift things or become physically active after long periods of inactivity, we place ourselves at great risk. Tight muscles and inflexibility are some of the biggest reasons for injuries.
3. Improves athletic performance. When we do not stretch, our movement becomes slower and inflexible. Therefore, our performance suffers. Furthermore, we are at greater risk of becoming injured via sprains, strains, and other physical ailments.
4. Alleviates stress. Stretching helps us become more relaxed. Since stretching takes time, we have to slow down and focus on what we are doing. Have you ever tried yoga? Yoga provides a calming environment with a variety of stretching techniques, which also help to improve balance and coordination. Also, stretching is thought to help in lowering blood pressure.
5. Relieves back pain. Back pain is a common ailment among Americans, ranking number eight among top 10 diseases in the United States. A number of studies indicate that as much as 80% of patients who experience back pain find relief simply by stretching.
As you can see, stretching provides a number of benefits that we can all use in our daily lives. However, stretching must be performed properly to avoid injury. Check in next week for stretching tips to enjoy the full benefits stretching can offer when performed correctly.
Jill Starbuck has 20 years of experience as a business writer, editor, and market research analyst. She is a certified health coach through the Integrative Institute of Nutrition and a certified running coach through the Road Runners Club of America. She is also the co-owner of a running business. She can be reached at jillstarbuck@hotmail.com.
