Chandi SchwabStretching has so many benefits. Just start a program of stretching, and you’ll soon notice many of them. I have researched the benefits of stretching and also the proper way to stretch below.Check it out!
Benefits
*Relief from pain
*Increased energy levels
*Increased flexibility
*Better range of motion of the joints
*Greater circulation of blood to various parts of the body
*Relaxation and stress relief
*Enhanced muscular coordination
*Improved posture
*Greater sense of well-being
*Increased energy levels
*Increased flexibility
*Better range of motion of the joints
*Greater circulation of blood to various parts of the body
*Relaxation and stress relief
*Enhanced muscular coordination
*Improved posture
*Greater sense of well-being
How to Stretch
1)Safety first- If you have had injuries, surgeries or have health concerns, consult with your health care provider about how to modify the stretches.
Breathe slowly and deeply and pay attention to your breathing; this helps keep you relaxed. Stay aware of your body; this will help keep you from being caught up in thoughts.
2)Don’t bounce-You can injure yourself this way.
Move slowly in and out of the stretches. Moving slowly helps prevent injury and allows to body to relax.
3)Pay attention to your body- Your body will tell you how far you can go. You should stretch until you begin to feel some resistance. Stop, and count your breaths, and you will probably find that you naturally relax further into the stretch.
4)Relax into the stretches-Muscles elongate naturally as they relax. If you notice some tension or “holding” in the muscles during a stretch, slowly let it go. You may find that as you relax into the stretch, you find yourself stretching even further.
5)Hold each stretch for about 30 seconds. It has been found that holding a stretch for 25-35 seconds gives optimal results. Rather than count the seconds, you can time your breathing to find out how many relaxed breaths you take in 30 seconds. Then you can time your stretches by counting your breaths.
What is important is for the muscle to experience movement and to be stretched - not how far you go! If you are following stretches outlined in a book, for example, simply move in the direction of the stretch - you don’t have to move into any certain position to get the benefit of the stretch.
Modify the stretches to suit your needs. If you are using specific stretches described in a book or program, you can modify the stretches to suit your body for safety and comfort.
Stretching should be pleasurable! If you are not enjoying the stretching, you may be trying too hard or straining to achieve a certain result.
Spend just 15 to 20 minutes of stretching a day to experience these beneficial effects. Most experts do NOT recommend stretching before exercise because your muscles are not properly warmed up yet. Instead, stretch right after a warm-up exercise, (such as walking briskly for five minutes or doing some jumping jacks) and also after your workout.At this time, your muscles are warm and more elastic, and stretching increases your flexibility and maximizes the range of motion around your joints. You should stretch all the major muscle groups that you used during your workout.If you are curious about stretching during your workout; the rule of thumb is, if you feel tight go ahead and do a gentle stretch, then get back to your workout.
Breathe slowly and deeply and pay attention to your breathing; this helps keep you relaxed. Stay aware of your body; this will help keep you from being caught up in thoughts.
2)Don’t bounce-You can injure yourself this way.
Move slowly in and out of the stretches. Moving slowly helps prevent injury and allows to body to relax.
3)Pay attention to your body- Your body will tell you how far you can go. You should stretch until you begin to feel some resistance. Stop, and count your breaths, and you will probably find that you naturally relax further into the stretch.
4)Relax into the stretches-Muscles elongate naturally as they relax. If you notice some tension or “holding” in the muscles during a stretch, slowly let it go. You may find that as you relax into the stretch, you find yourself stretching even further.
5)Hold each stretch for about 30 seconds. It has been found that holding a stretch for 25-35 seconds gives optimal results. Rather than count the seconds, you can time your breathing to find out how many relaxed breaths you take in 30 seconds. Then you can time your stretches by counting your breaths.
What is important is for the muscle to experience movement and to be stretched - not how far you go! If you are following stretches outlined in a book, for example, simply move in the direction of the stretch - you don’t have to move into any certain position to get the benefit of the stretch.
Modify the stretches to suit your needs. If you are using specific stretches described in a book or program, you can modify the stretches to suit your body for safety and comfort.
Stretching should be pleasurable! If you are not enjoying the stretching, you may be trying too hard or straining to achieve a certain result.
Spend just 15 to 20 minutes of stretching a day to experience these beneficial effects. Most experts do NOT recommend stretching before exercise because your muscles are not properly warmed up yet. Instead, stretch right after a warm-up exercise, (such as walking briskly for five minutes or doing some jumping jacks) and also after your workout.At this time, your muscles are warm and more elastic, and stretching increases your flexibility and maximizes the range of motion around your joints. You should stretch all the major muscle groups that you used during your workout.If you are curious about stretching during your workout; the rule of thumb is, if you feel tight go ahead and do a gentle stretch, then get back to your workout.
*Stay tuned and we will share some awesome stretches for you to try at home.For now practice the basics that you have known since grade school and incorporate the helpful hints that are listed above.
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