Working out regularly is a great way to improve and maintain good health.
If you’re not stretching before and after your workout, however, you’re not really taking advantage of a complete workout routine.
Stretching exercises are a staple of physical therapy for many reasons.
In fact, stretching before and after a workout has several specific benefits.
Stretching and improved wellness
Stretching provides numerous benefits to help your body stay healthy. One of the most important is stress relief.
Everyday life throws many challenges at you, and the resulting stress can be held in your muscles.
This leads to tightness, spasms, and chronic discomforts such as headaches and neck pain. Stress also floods your body with “fight or flight” hormones such as cortisone and adrenaline.
These imbalances can suppress your immune function, making you more vulnerable to viruses and other diseases. Hypertension is yet another dangerous consequence of chronic stress.
Regular stretches help your body release all that pent-up stress.
By relaxing and loosening your muscles, you can maintain better control over your blood pressure, avoid chronic muscle pain, and keep your immune system ready for anything.
PT and stretching
It’s important to make sure you’re doing the right kind of stretches before and after your workout.
A physical therapist can create an exercise routine for your specific type of workout. Whether you’re playing tennis, training for a mini-marathon, or walking through the neighborhood, physical therapy can help you make the most of your activities.
A physical therapist can help you determine which types of stretches are best for your current physical condition and the type of activities you’re participating in.
It’s also important to make sure you’re doing the right exercises in the correct way. You’ll want to make an appointment with a qualified physical therapist to learn what stretches are right for you.
Physical therapy can help you make the most of your workouts and improve your overall health.
What are the different types of stretches?
There are several different types of stretches a person can do before and after a workout.
It’s important to know which types are right for you and when you should use them in a workout.
- Ballistic: Ballistic stretching involves bouncing to push muscles beyond a normal range of motion.
- Dynamic: movements are active movements that are not held but still cause muscles to stretch. They are often done to prepare muscles for movement.
- Static: This involves holding a particular stretch for 10 to 20 seconds. It should feel comfortable and is usually done after a workout.
How will I benefit from stretching after my workout?
You may be tempted to go straight into relaxation mode after a workout.
It’s important, however, to get in even a few minutes of stretching.
There are several specific benefits of stretching after you finish your workout.
- Gradual relaxation: Slowing down gradually benefits both body and mind. When you stretch after a workout, you’re giving yourself the chance to wind down gradually.
- Reduces pain and risk of injury: Muscles that stay tight after a workout are more prone to injury. PT in Motion states that the right kind of stretching exercises can limit pain throughout the body. Loosening up your muscles will also reduce your chance of injury.
- Elimination of lactic acid: Lactic acid is produced when you work out. This substance can make muscles achy and tired. Stretching can help reduce the amount of lactic acid throughout your body.
How will I benefit from stretching before my workout?
You should always start your workout with a series of stretching exercises.
Stretching 5 to 10 minutes is probably enough for most activities. It’s important, however, to adequately stretch all the muscles you’ll be using.
There are several specific advantages you’ll receive when adequately stretching before your workout.
- Improved performance: All of the above, including increased blood flow, flexibility, and range of motion, will improve overall performance.
- Increased flexibility and range of motion: Correct stretching will loosen your muscles and tendons, increasing your flexibility and range of motion during your workout.
- Increased blood flow: The first thing stretching can do is increase your blood flow. Increased blood flow to your muscles prepares them for strenuous activity.
Ready to improve your health?
The appropriate stretches can help you improve your overall health! Contact us when you’re ready to get started.
