Why You Need to Incorporate Stretching Into Your Daily Routine

By Bryan Kittman | January 8, 2019

Stretching is an important activity that provides tons of benefits for your body. By stretching, you can increase your flexibility, reduce your risk of injury, and can even reduce stress and aches. Let’s dive into the benefits of stretching, and why you should be incorporating it into your daily routine.

Increases flexibility

Stretching regularly can work wonders in increasing your flexibility, which can be an important factor for your overall health. With increased flexibility, you’ll be able to better perform doing everyday activities and be able to keep your mobility at an all-time high.

Increases blood flow to your muscles

Regularly performing stretches can increase blood flow to your muscles. Keeping a strong circulation of blood flow to your muscles can reduce your overall recovery time and muscle soreness.

Increases your range of motion

Having a full range of motion means having much greater freedom of movement, and stretching on a regular basis can help increase this.

Eases back pain

If you suffer from constant back pain, it might be a good idea to get into stretching. Studies have shown that have tight hamstrings can increase stress on the muscles surrounding your spine and lower back. Stretching can help reduce the level of stress, leading to less pain.

Lowers the risk of injury

Diving right into strenuous exercise without warming up can be a recipe for disaster when it comes to injuries. Before getting into your workout routine, getting some stretching in can help warm up your muscles, reducing your risk for injury.

Stress less

If your body is in a constant state of tension, it can result in both a physical and mental toll on your overall health. Tense muscles can be the root of stress, and stretching will alleviate this pent up stress.

Improve your posture

We’re all guilty of a little slouching, but too much of it can actually cause musculoskeletal pain. Stretching can help properly align your joints and ligaments, improving your posture and reducing pain.

Promotes calmness

Stretching can help promote mindfulness and meditative practices, which can be effective in giving you a much needed mental break.

Tips for starting a stretching routine

• Take it slow and focus on technique
• Don’s stretch beyond the point of comfort
• Limit stretching to 10-20 minutes per day
• Do some light warm ups before stretching to ensure your muscles are ready to stretch
• Hold each stretch for 30 seconds and avoid bouncing

Check out this 5-minute stretching routine to help you get started.

The 5-Minute Stretching Routine That Will Keep You Walking Strong