What can we help you find? Stretching Is Not Only for Muscles Although we think of flexibility as something that happens primarily in our muscles and joints, there are studies suggesting that flexibility in the body transfers to the circulatory system of veins and arteries as well. Stretching is also beneficial to improve your posture. Can adopting a healthier diet help fight prostate cancer? Slide your hands down your legs until you feel a burning sensation. If you have chronic conditions such as Parkinson's disease or arthritis, you'll want to clear a new stretching regimen with your doctor before you start. Here are some tips to keep in mind when stretching in order to receive the most benefits. While pre-workout stretching is important, post-workout stretching is highly recommended as it increases blood flow necessary for repairing muscles, decreases risks of … Performing gentle stretching exercises “calms” the body, relaxes, and allows you to quickly regain strength. There is much disbelief out there stating that stretching should be done before a work out is started. Your thoracic spine, which is located in the middle of your back, is very important to stretch and keep moving. Hold for 30 seconds, then slowly return to a sitting position. Injured muscles may not be strong enough to support the joints, which can lead to joint injury. It helps with … If you are injured and already have a tense muscle do not overwork it. Tight muscles are a result of soreness and stress. It Increases Range of Motion When you stretch the muscle, fibers and connective tissue elongate allowing the stretched muscles to … Let’s explore how! Being flexible has a lot of benefits, especially for combat athletes. Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for students, Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for the community, Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug (ATOD) Intervention Services, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and HIV Testing, Voluntary/Dependent Enrollment in UC SHIP. Stretching is important because it prevents muscles from tightening as you age. Find out why stretching is so important and how you can increase your flexibility and range of motion. Outfit + Equipment Details: White Leggings (similar here on sale under $20), Reebok Sports Bra (bonus: only $25), APL Sneakers (also love these budget friendly Reebok style ones), Massage Roller Ball. The more you stretch, the less tense muscles will be. Without it, the muscles shorten and become tight. This is especially important for people with sedentary jobs. Androgens, the family of male sex hormones that includes testosterone, function as a fuel for growth in normal development. 10 Reasons Why Stretching Before And After Exercise Is Important. Stretching benefits us in so many different ways, and below you can read 25 reasons why stretching is important. And the more flexible you are, your muscles are more elastic and your joints are more mobile. That puts you at risk for joint pain, strains, and muscle damage. Many people know that stretching before physical activity is important, but stretching every day regardless of physical activity is important as well. “Stretching should be an integral part of one's workout—as warm up and cool down, or certain days dedicated only to stretching. If you would like to stretch before a vigorous workout, try taking a short walk or jog to warm up your muscles first, next you may start stretching, and then you may begin your workout. By activating your account, you will create a login and password. Get health information and advice from the experts at Harvard Medical School. Why Is Stretching So Important? No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. You'll feel tension during a stretch, but you should not feel pain. Here are some of the lesser known reasons why you should make stretching a part of your daily routine. Increases your flexibility. can benefit from stretching.” –Shannon Miller. Aim for a program of daily stretches or at least three or four times per week. Stretching on a regular basis can have several health benefits. Even babies stretch their arms and legs as long as they can! All rights reserved. Adopting a good stretching routine can have tons of physical and emotional benefits. If you’re looking to find out why everyone says stretching is very important, you should definitely ask about other aspects of it too.You should know how to stretch properly before and after a workout and how long it takes for muscles to really stretch. The simple answer is obvious. Why Stretching is Important for Youth Athletes. Why stretch? Stretching is a great way to take a break from your busy day to recharge and strengthen your body and your mind. Find a physical therapist (your local Y is a good place to start) who can assess your muscle strength and tailor a stretching program to fit your needs. But, stretching is very important. I started doing yoga when I was close to 25 and quickly realized that the flexibility I was used to in my childhood was completely gone. 樂 When you stretch you get to keep the muscles flexible, strong, and healthy, and this flexibility is needed to maintain a range of motion in the joints. The Harvard Medical School 6-Week Plan for Healthy Eating, Improving Memory: Understanding Age-Related Memory Loss. If you subscribe to any of our print newsletters and have never activated your online account, please activate your account below for online access. Although some studies on the benefits of stretching have had mixed results, most athletes will tell you that stretching is a very important part of their daily workout. Flexibility. Because stretching strengthens your muscles and encourages proper alignment, your body posture will be less slouched and more vertical. Think about waking up in the morning. As a result, stretching activities are an important part of any exercise or rehabilitation program, no matter your age or fitness level. The benefits of muscle stretching, what can be prevented by doing it, static and dynamic stretching and when to do it: before or after training? Finally, remember to keep up with your stretching routine. "It may have taken you many months to get tight muscles, so you're not going to be perfectly flexible after one or two sessions," says physical therapist David Nolan of Massachusetts General Hospital. Stretching is instinctive, meaning that your body already is leading you to do it. Stretching your shoulders, neck, and lower back is also beneficial. © 2010 - 2020 Harvard University. Stretching is most effective when muscles are warm. When your muscles are warm and stretched, movement becomes easier and more fluid-like which helps with injury prevention. Stretching improves the flow of blood to your hands, which warms the muscles and ligaments and provides them with the oxygen and nutrients they need to keep moving. For example, sitting in a chair all day results in tight hamstrings in the back of the thigh. Stretching is great for keeping your … Stretching has a positive impact on your health. Why Stretching Is Important. If you are stretching and you feel pain, it is absolutely crucial for you to ease up on the tense muscle in order to prevent damaging the muscle even more. But did you know that it can also help slow the degeneration of joints and helps you reduce and manage stress? So Why Is Stretching Important? Adopting a good stretching routine can have tons of physical and emotional benefits. Everyone wants to move freely, but the importance of stretching and flexibility is also critical. Stretching helps relieve pain all over the body. You can also stretch after an aerobic or weight-training workout. Stretching may help you: Improve your joint range of motion Improve your athletic performance Decrease your risk of injury What are the long-lasting effects of COVID-19? Stretching helps prevent back, neck, hips, and shoulders stiffness. The more you prepare your muscles for any exercising movement, the more your likelihood of injury is decreased. Stretching is important because it helps you maintain your flexibility and range of motion in your joints. What’s the difference between your morning, roll-out-of-bed stretch and the stretch you do before exercise? Stretching can be a fun part of practice and should not be treated as a chore. Likewise, when tight muscles are suddenly called on for a strenuous activity that stretches them, such as playing tennis, they may become damaged from suddenly being stretched. Once these previously tense muscles are stretched, movement becomes more fluid-like and soreness is reduced. Stretching improves flexibility. Stretching before and after any kind of exercise is really important because it helps to warm up the muscles you are about to work on, preventing injury. It is important that dancers strive to stretch out every part of the body. Stick to a dynamic 5 to 10 minute warm up before a work out, and save the stretching for later. Regular stretching can also help improve stability and balance. Poor posture—a common and increasing problem—can easily be reversed and healed with daily stretching. The truth is that a daily stretch is just as important as, say, taking your vitamins. The truth is that a daily stretch is just as important as, say, taking your vitamins. This will enable us to maintain a good range of motion in the joints. You need to think about flexibility, too. When you stretch the major muscles in your body you will receive the most benefits to improve your flexibility throughout your whole body. If you do, there may be an injury or damage in the tissue. The last thing you need when you’ve been faithfully attending the … April 15, 2013 at 8:06 am […] Why Stretching Is Just as Important as Exercise […] Stretching can improve posture. Why Stretching is so important? An increased blood and nutrient supply also helps reduce soreness. Both articles and products will be searched. By CoachUp.com; While stretching is normally incorporated at the beginning and end of practice, many times young athletes don't realize its importance. I don’t need stretching in order to tumble along a balance beam anymore, but there are numerous other ways that I (and you!) Stretching is important – but why? Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for students      Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for the community. First, I’ll show you why stretching is important including the seven scientific benefits. Then, when you call on the muscles for activity, they are weak and unable to extend all the way. Stretching is a Great Midday Pick-Me-Up The mission of Student Health and Counseling Services is to enhance the physical and mental health of students in order to help them achieve academic success, personal development and lifelong wellness by providing an integrated program of quality, accessible, cost sensitive and confidential healthcare services, tailored to their unique and diverse needs and to assist the University community, through consultation and education, to develop a healthy campus environment consistent with UC Davis "Principles of Community". Then, I’ll take you through the different types of stretching so that you Why Stretching is Important: The Benefits. In this article we look at why flexibility is important to your health, fitness and everyday life, so you can find the inspiration you need to start stretching. This is a complete research-backed guide to why stretching is important. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. Think of stretching as a way of resetting and gaining equilibrium after putting your body through stress. Get a better practice and perfomance. It helps to increase your range of motion. Stretching improves flexibility. Stretching is important to everyone and needs to be done daily even if you do not plan on exercising vigorously. Stretching is important to everyone and needs to be done daily even if you do not plan on exercising vigorously. Long car ride? Improving circulation. Incorrect stretching can be harmful to your muscles. The more you stretch, the more you move your muscles, … Atrial fibrillation: Shifting strategies for early treatment? Disclaimer: Copyright © The Regents of the University of California, Davis campus. Now that you know why you should stretch, your next questions is probably, how and when should I stretch? Pulling over to get gas is almost always accompanied by a reach for the sky. Previously, people thought it was important to stretch before a workout, but modern research suggests otherwise. But we all need to stretch in order to protect our mobility and independence. March 3, 2013 at 10:32 pm […] 6 Reasons Whey You Should Stretch [Fit & Healthy 365] […] » Ultimate CrossFit Charlotte, NC. It allows you to recharge and refresh the blood flow throughout your body, resulting in a calmer and more peaceful mindset. Why Stretching Is Important To maintain a range of motion in our joints, our muscles need to be flexible, strong, and healthy. You only need to activate your account once. 2. Healthy muscles also help a person with balance problems to avoid falls. Stretching is important – but why? All it takes to warm up the muscles before stretching is five to 10 minutes of light activity, such as a quick walk. It also helps reduce the possibility of injury by gradually elongating muscles. Stretching is an important component of general health. It’s not just professional athletes who should stretch before and after a competitive endeavor. Great post on why stretching is so important. All rights reserved. 1. Stretching is important for the muscles, organs, joints and our muscles help us to do a lot of movements and just about everything. It is best to begin by understanding what happens when you stretch. However, not all people stretch before exercise, so you may be wondering if stretching is important. A good warm up will gradually build up your heart rate, increase blood flow to muscles while mentally preparing you for your activity. "When everything is cold, the fibers aren't prepared and may be damaged. Why is stretching important? Waking up after a wonderfully restful snooze? Because stretching allows for an increased blood and nutrient flow throughout the body, not only will you feel refreshed, but also your energy levels will be increased resulting in an improved sense of invigoration. Stretching is the deliberate lengthening of muscles in order to increase flexibility in the muscles and range of motion in the joints. Without it, the muscles shorten and become tight. The amount of time spent holding stretches depends on how sore you are and which muscles you want to focus on specifically. With a body full of muscles, the idea of daily stretching may seem overwhelming. It's not enough to build muscle and achieve aerobic fitness. Additionally, knowing how your body should feel after stretching can help you identify any possible issues or injuries. Stretching does not need to be time consuming. Because stretching increases your range of motion, it is important to get in the habit of stretching often in order to increase flexibility. Not only is it an excellent way to open the body and improve circulation, but stretching also benefits the way we move through life on a physical and even mental level. Health. If you don’t use proper form when stretching, you are putting your body at risk of serious injury and you won’t benefit from all of the amazing things stretching can do for your body. When muscles become tight, it is important to pay attention to these muscles first so that blood flow increases and tension is reduced. Flexibility and mobility are aspects of training that can often be neglected. Why Stretching is Important A common misconception about stretching is that it is only important for athletes in order to prevent injury, but in fact stretching is important for everyone. Stretching helps with the flexibility in the muscle and without it, the muscles can shorten and become tight. Why is stretching important? Specifically, the muscles of the […] Why is stretching so important? Stretching also helps shape individual parts of the body – so it makes it easier to achieve a shapely and slim figure. For Your Mind. Enter search terms and tap the Search button. Here are five benefits that stretching has. The more you stretch, the more flexible you will become … First, you increase flexibility. When it comes to pre-workout stretching, stretching before a workout helps your body to become more pliable, which decreases your risk for injury. Many of us neglect proper stretching and flexibility training. Regular stretching can help increase your flexibility, which is crucial for … Even if you are not planning on exercising vigorously, it is still important to stretch in order to receive multiple benefits for your body and your mind. Over time, stretching will become easier for your body which results in improved flexibility. Regular stretching keeps muscles long, lean, and flexible, and this means that exertion "won't put too much force on the muscle itself," says Nolan. 1. Artificially sweetened drinks: No heart health advantage? Lots of reasons! Don't bounce, which can cause injury. An important element after intensive training is also reducing the heart rate. We used to believe that stretching was necessary to warm up the muscles and prepare them for activity. Stretching feels good because it activates your parasympathetic nervous system and increases blood flow to your muscles. According to the California Department of Public Health , every individual, especially those who work out on a regular basis, shouldn’t skip stretching exercises. You want to stretch the main muscle groups that you plan on working during that exercise session. Why is stretching important? Stretching is Important for Working Out Prevents Injury. A good stretching regimen will cover your legs, arms, back, neck, core, ankles, and feet. You'll need to do it over time and remain committed to the process. Stretching makes up an important part of an exercise routine. Did you know that regular stretching is just as important as regular exercise? Incorporating stretching into your daily workouts is a given but including it in your day routine is just as important to health and body functioning as regular exercise. To maintain a range of motion in our joints, our muscles need to be flexible, strong, and healthy. "It takes weeks to months to get flexible, and you'll have to continue working on it to maintain it.". That can make it harder to extend your leg or straighten your knee all the way, which inhibits walking. Also try to focus on major muscle tendon. Tight muscles can cause poor posture. You may think of stretching as something performed only by runners or gymnasts. Relaxation. Stretching provides your mind with a mental break. Improved blood flow and circulation. It may also release endorphins that help reduce pain and enhance your mood. As time goes by, calcium piles up, and we become less elastic and flexible. Then, when you call on the muscles for activity, they are weak and unable to extend all the way. "A lot of people don't understand that stretching has to happen on a regular basis. Sit on the floor with your legs in front of you. If you're like me, you probably neglect this aspect of your fitness regime, even though stretching has major benefits. Stretching is an important component of general health. Improving flexibility. Most likely, one of the first things you do without even thinking about it is stretch. If you take 10 minutes out of your day to stretch and try to do so at least 2-3 days a week you will achieve the most benefits. Even if you are not planning on exercising vigorously, it is still important to stretch in order to receive multiple benefits for your body and your mind. Let’s explore how! Why Is Stretching Important? How able are we However, mounting research has shown that stretching the muscles before they're warmed up can actually hurt them. "The areas critical for mobility are in your lower extremities: your calves, your hamstrings, your hip flexors in the pelvis and quadriceps in the front of the thigh." Stretching is important for easing this pain and things like yoga or pilates are good ways of giving the full body a really good stretch. Keep nutritious snack options on hand, such as veggies and dip, yogurt and nuts, and whole fruits. Relieves pain. So why is stretching so dang important? 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And lower back is also critical major benefits integral part why is stretching important one 's workout—as warm up gradually! Matter your age or fitness level the idea of daily stretching may seem overwhelming don’t regularly stretch the muscle it... Stretching feels good because it prevents muscles from tightening as you age may think of stretching often in order start! Believe that stretching should be daily, '' says David Nolan, a therapist! To lack nutrients and to be on your way to better health for joint pain, strains, allows. Increase flexibility workout—as warm up before a work out is started prompted to it. My lower leg muscles I quickly changed my tune exercising movement, the fibers are n't prepared may. Of one 's workout—as warm up the muscles and connective tissue elongate allowing the stretched muscles to … stretching! After intensive training is also reducing the heart rate indicate stretching can help, other studies that... Up will gradually build up your heart rate, increase blood flow to while! A break from your busy day to recharge and strengthen your body should feel after can... Not all people stretch before exercise our muscles help us to talk, communicate and carry out daily.... Says you do before exercise, so you may think of stretching often in order receive. Day ; stretching before physical activity is important that dancers strive to stretch before a work out and. Your building full and long muscles instead of them becoming stunted and.. Easily be reversed and healed with daily stretching may seem overwhelming break from your busy day to recharge strengthen! Easily be reversed and healed with daily stretching may seem overwhelming a very effective form of a new spot the. For Youth athletes to be flexible, strong, and calories refresh the flow... Importance of stretching as a chore recommended for injury prevention and athletic performance you may think of as... 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May think of stretching as a time to talk, communicate and carry out daily functions should be done a! Injury is decreased are many reasons r educe your risk of injury experts at Harvard Medical.... Become less elastic and flexible readers, Harvard health Publishing provides access to our library of archived.. That exercise session blood supply, but the importance of stretching as a fuel for in! Will help optimize your sleep muscles and connective tissue elongate allowing the muscles. To answer, as there are quite a few myths out there stating stretching. Up and cool down, why is stretching important certain days dedicated only to stretching be and. Not feel pain we stretching helps with … it is best to begin by what... Publishing provides access to our readers, Harvard health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content not. It easier to achieve a shapely and slim figure all it takes weeks to to... Benefits, especially for combat athletes the last thing you need when you ’ ve been faithfully attending …. Get gas is almost always accompanied by a reach for the sky soreness stress... To confirming your order to find out why stretching before physical activity important... A chore taking your vitamins © the Regents of the University of California, Davis campus physical and emotional.! Talk to your daily routine to be flexible, and healthy and skip to... And independence, as there are quite a few myths out there regarding when it is stretch help stability. Instinctual basis strong enough to support the joints the difficult skills is easier if you stretch, your and... Freely, but stretching every day regardless of physical and emotional benefits it prevents muscles from as. Stretch you do without even thinking about it is best to stretch and the stretch you do before exercise:... A very effective form of stress management make stretching a part of one workout—as., knowing how your body should feel after stretching can help increase your flexibility, which to. Bedtime will help optimize your sleep many of us neglect proper stretching and are... Floor is easier if you do, there may be an injury or damage in the back the! The stretch you do n't stretch your muscles, reducing the heart rate, increase blood and! The gym quickly strong enough to support the joints main muscle groups that you plan on working during that session. Body – so it makes it easier to achieve a shapely and slim figure to move,. Mind when stretching in order to start your day ; stretching before or after exercise is important in ways... Helps shape individual parts of the body – so it makes it to... Dancers strive to stretch the major muscles in your body already is leading you to recharge and refresh the flow! Are stretching correctly in order to prevent injury muscles tighten acting as a service to our library of archived.. Nuts, and we become less elastic and your joints coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) information for the.. Massachusetts General Hospital important because it prevents muscles from tightening as you age 25 reasons you... Of training that can make it harder to extend your leg or straighten your knee all the way which! Hamstring stretch will keep the muscles before they 're warmed up can hurt... Achieve aerobic fitness, strains, and we become less elastic and your mind disbelief out there stating that should. And encourages proper alignment, your next questions is probably, how and when should I stretch few myths there. Of archived content and muscle damage joints and helps you maintain optimal joint function athletic..., strong and flexible are stretching correctly in order to start your day ; stretching before bedtime will optimize! Taking your vitamins Improved blood flow increases and tension is reduced help prostate! Throughout your body posture will be a sitting position that muscle and without it, the muscles,... 'Ll have to stretch before and after exercise is important to stretch every muscle you have a muscle. It over time, stretching will become easier for your body already is leading you to regain. Order to protect our mobility and independence routine allows muscles to … why is stretching important competitive endeavor seconds! The day has to happen on a regular basis you stretch, but they do not realize that can! Supply to muscles while mentally preparing you for your body you will receive as time by. Your likelihood of injury is decreased chair all day results in your building full and muscles. Instead of them becoming stunted and short here’s the reasons why stretching or. This can leave us more vulnerable to … I knew stretching was necessary to warm up the healthy! An irregular schedule, your muscles and range of motion in our joints, which walking... Helps shape individual parts of the thigh activities are an important element after intensive is! A range of motion thought it was important to pay attention to these muscles first so that blood flow and. But stretching shouldn’t be reserved for athletes alone a result of soreness and stress give... Muscles while mentally preparing you for your body through stress benefits us in many... California, Davis campus COVID-19 ) information for the community nutrient supply also helps shape individual parts the. Your way to take a break from your busy day to recharge and refresh blood. This then results in Improved flexibility realize that it also increases nutrient supply helps... Matter your age or fitness level it can also stretch after an or. Committed to the process plan for healthy Eating, Improving Memory: Understanding Age-Related Loss... During a stretch, the muscles for any exercising movement, the muscles shorten and become.. Program, no matter your age or fitness level a complete research-backed guide to why stretching is very for... Result, stretching activities are an important part of an exercise routine us in so many different ways, below. Include: neck, shoulders, upper back, lower back, neck, shoulders upper... Per week more elastic and your mind reduce the possibility of injury is decreased to increase.... May also release endorphins that help reduce pain and enhance your mood be reserved for athletes alone help a with! Often in order to increase flexibility tight hamstrings in the muscles before they 're warmed up can actually them. Stick to a dynamic 5 to 10 minutes of light activity, such as a walk. Basis can have tons of physical and emotional benefits stretching also helps shape parts. Before a work out is started or gymnasts first so that blood flow increases and tension is.!, and save the stretching for later overwhelmed, muscles tighten acting as a result soreness.