In many exercise programs, be it weight lifting for building and toning muscles or cardio vascular exercises for increasing stamina and to lose weight, most people do not perform enough stretching exercises even though stretching exercises can be performed by anyone at any age unless that person has some physical restriction to stretch. What is worse, many people do not even stretch before and after exercising. Unknown to most people, stretching also has anti aging benefits.
Benefits of stretching exercises for muscle growth:
Stretching is an important aspect of exercising and should be a part of any exercise routine and program. There are many wonderful benefits when you perform regular stretching exercises. Stretching exercises not only help you to warm up and cool down before and after your workouts, it can and will actually help your muscles to grow bigger and stronger too. Don’t believe me? Then read on.
Stretching exercises help muscle growth because stretching lengthens your muscles and thus giving your muscle fibers a greater range of motion when lifting weights. So in effect, it recruits more muscle fibers and thus causing your muscles to grow stronger and bigger from your weight training.
By stretching your muscles after an intensive workout will reduce muscle soreness commonly known as DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) which usually occurs a day after your workout.
Performing stretching exercises before your workout or before a physically demanding sporting activity will also decrease your chances of sustaining injuries and muscle cramps which will certainly destroy the joy of your activity.
When you stretch regularly, stretching exercises will help you gain agility which will make your daily chores much more pleasant and if you play sports, you will notice your agility is much better than others who do not stretch. This will put you in a more beneficial position against your opponents.
Anti Aging Benefits Of Stretching Exercises:
If you are a baby boomer and age is catching up, this agility will make your life so much more pleasurable because you will be able to avoid stiff muscles and stiff joints unlike your peers who do not stretch. You will be more mobile, agile and suffering from less pain associated with aging and stiff body parts. These anti aging benefits from stretching regularly are priceless. Benefits that money can never be able to buy.
Benefits of stretching exercises for your overall body function:
Stretching has many additional benefits for the overall function of your body. First, stretching increases circulation and blood flow throughout your entire body. When circulation is increased, your body can begin to naturally perform better. Secondly, stretching dramatically improves posture. When posture is improved, your body has better circulation, and your spine can remain properly aligned throughout the day, thus decreasing neck and back pain. Another great reason for stretching is the increase of energy due to increasing circulation throughout the body.
Although it is important, increasing blood circulation isn’t the only benefit of stretching on your body as a whole. Stretching also releases tension within the muscles, which is a common cause of everyday aches and pains. Stretching can also increase the range of motion within your muscles, which is very important as you age and for every day activity. Increased range of motion will also help decrease stiffness within the muscles.
What is more, you can stretch anytime anywhere and when you like. Stretching exercises need not be limited as a pre and post workout activity. So start a stretching exercise routine soon and make it part of your everyday lifestyle. Stretching is great to do in the morning and before bed. You can even stretch at your desk during your work day. Making stretching a part of your everyday routine will give you the most benefits and optimal body function. Start stretching today and see how you feel in a few weeks.
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