Did you know that stretching is just as critical to your overall health as eating healthier. This can help lower the risk of injuries, better your posture, and make everyday activities easier. Companies like The Muvement Pros can help you!
What makes stretching crucial?
There are several benefits to stretching. It first helps with increasing blood circulation throughout your body. This increased blood circulation can help with reducing the risk of injuries and better your overall posture. In addition, stretching can help improve your range of motion and make daily activities easier. Lastly, stretching is a wonderful method to relax your muscles and lower stress. Stretching and flexibility trainings can be a great way to unwind after tiring day or week.
Static and Dynamic Stretches
There are two different types of stretches: static and dynamic. Static stretches are those in which you maintain a position for an extended period of time, usually 15-30 seconds. Dynamic stretches are when you move through a range of motion multiple times in a row, such as walking lunges or arm circles. Stretching classes often include a combination of static and dynamic stretches, which is essential if you want to reap the greatest benefits from your regimen. Because they help to lengthen your muscles and increase flexibility, static stretches are crucial. Dynamic stretches are vital because they help in warming up and prepping your muscles for activity. The ideal stretching to do is dynamic stretching prior to exercise and static stretching after exercise. However, static stretches are typically done at the start of flexibility training sessions to help you unwind and focus on your breathing.
Examples of static and dynamic stretches are provided below:
Static Stretches:
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Quadriceps stretch: Standing with one leg behind you, grab your ankle and pull it towards your glutes. Hold for 15-30 seconds.
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Hamstring stretch: Lying on your back, extend one leg straight up and hold onto your thigh or ankle. Pull your leg towards you until you feel a stretch in the back of your leg. Hold for 15-30 seconds.
Dynamic Stretches:
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Walking lunges: Start by standing with your feet together. Step forward with one leg and lower your body until your front thigh is parallel to the ground and your back knee is close to the ground. Return to the starting position and repeat with the other leg.
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Arm circles: Start by standing with your arms extended out to the sides at shoulder level. Make small circles forward for 30 seconds, then switch directions and circle backwards for 30 seconds.
What to Do First
Starting softly and progressively increasing the intensity of your stretches over time is vital if you are new to stretching. It is also crucial not to push yourself too hard. Stop stretching if you “sense” or “start feeling” pain and consult or call a doctor or physical therapist.
Here are some pointers to get you going:
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Find a comfy place to stretch. A mat or towel on the floor will work just fine.
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Start with static stretches and hold each stretch for 15-30 seconds.
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As you start to become more flexible, you can add dynamic stretches to your regimen.
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Stretch every day for the best results!
PNF Stretching
PNF (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation) stretching is a type of stretch that uses both the stretch reflex and the Golgi tendon reflex to achieve a greater range of motion. PNF stretching is frequently performed with a partner who exerts pressure on the targeted muscle area. The individual then contracts the muscle group for a small period of time before relaxing. This process is repeated a couple times to help increase flexibility. If you don’t have a partner who is an expert with PNF Stretching, consider employing a stretching expert, such as the professionals at The Muvement Pros! To aid increase flexibility, this technique is performed several times. PNF stretching has a lot of advantages, such as improved circulation, a wider range of motion, and a lower chance of injury. Stretching with PNF is a complex technique that must only be used under the supervision of a trained specialist.
Now that you are more knowledgeable about stretching, why don’t you give it a try? A few minutes of stretching daily can make a huge difference in your overall health!