We've heard it again and again: stretch before doing sports or before you go jogging. Ever since first year gym class, we have been taught that stretching before doing physically demanding work is key if we want to prevent getting serious injured. Never mind that all the top athletes do it - there is just not enough motivated for us to do it on a daily basis.
So why do we stretch? Stretching can be beneficial in many ways. The most apparent reason is the one we have been lectured about - that doing stretches reduces the risk of getting hurt during and after any physical activity. But why exactly is that? Every time we stretch, oxygenated blood gets circulated throughout the body and brain. This not only improves our physical and mental functions, but flushes the unwanted toxins out of our body. Our joints, muscles, and tendons lose much of their flexibility as we get older, so the more you stretch while you are still young, the more physically active you'll be in the future.
Stretching is also useful for combating stress. Whenever you are experiencing physical or emotional stress, your muscles store unwanted tensions, and stretching these tight areas regularly serves to dissipate those tensions. Yet osteopaths consider maintaining a healthy back as the most important reason for stretching on a regular basis. The back can only move in six directions, and therefore it has a tendency to become stiff easily. As the back is the core of our musculoskeletal system, it is important that we keep it as mobile and flexible as possible.
You are recommended to undergo a stretch routine at least three times a week, stretching in the mornings, after your muscles have been warmed by a hot shower, or in the evenings, when your muscles have been warmed naturally throughout the day.
Stretching is not easy, no matter what the professionals say, mainly for the reason that stretching routines become very dull. Setting up a routine is no problem - sticking to it is a different matter. The best way to ensure that you continue with your stretch routine is to make the exercises more enjoyable. Instead of going about them alone, invite a friend or relative to join your routine. Tedious activities always seem more interesting with company around. Or if you prefer to operate alone, do your stretches in front of the telly - during the news or your favourite program. This is the best way to get off the sofa, get your stretches done, and still do something you like.
You might have heard of the recent controversy - some experts are now arguing that static stretching (stretching while standing still) actually makes muscles weaker. As there is no concrete evidence to suggest that this is true, the best solution is to find the right balance. Do not hold stretch positions for too long, and try to incorporate as much movement into each stretch (i.e. swinging your arms or legs instead of holding them still). Also try to avoid having long stretch sessions - it is better to do shorter slots throughout the day.
We are often being bombarded with new tips and approaches of how to do things, but it is important to keep in mind that you should only do what works for you. If a stretch is not working for you, do something else! Regardless of whether you are a fitness guru or not, making sure you stretch regularly is vital for preventing problems in the future - 16004
So why do we stretch? Stretching can be beneficial in many ways. The most apparent reason is the one we have been lectured about - that doing stretches reduces the risk of getting hurt during and after any physical activity. But why exactly is that? Every time we stretch, oxygenated blood gets circulated throughout the body and brain. This not only improves our physical and mental functions, but flushes the unwanted toxins out of our body. Our joints, muscles, and tendons lose much of their flexibility as we get older, so the more you stretch while you are still young, the more physically active you'll be in the future.
Stretching is also useful for combating stress. Whenever you are experiencing physical or emotional stress, your muscles store unwanted tensions, and stretching these tight areas regularly serves to dissipate those tensions. Yet osteopaths consider maintaining a healthy back as the most important reason for stretching on a regular basis. The back can only move in six directions, and therefore it has a tendency to become stiff easily. As the back is the core of our musculoskeletal system, it is important that we keep it as mobile and flexible as possible.
You are recommended to undergo a stretch routine at least three times a week, stretching in the mornings, after your muscles have been warmed by a hot shower, or in the evenings, when your muscles have been warmed naturally throughout the day.
Stretching is not easy, no matter what the professionals say, mainly for the reason that stretching routines become very dull. Setting up a routine is no problem - sticking to it is a different matter. The best way to ensure that you continue with your stretch routine is to make the exercises more enjoyable. Instead of going about them alone, invite a friend or relative to join your routine. Tedious activities always seem more interesting with company around. Or if you prefer to operate alone, do your stretches in front of the telly - during the news or your favourite program. This is the best way to get off the sofa, get your stretches done, and still do something you like.
You might have heard of the recent controversy - some experts are now arguing that static stretching (stretching while standing still) actually makes muscles weaker. As there is no concrete evidence to suggest that this is true, the best solution is to find the right balance. Do not hold stretch positions for too long, and try to incorporate as much movement into each stretch (i.e. swinging your arms or legs instead of holding them still). Also try to avoid having long stretch sessions - it is better to do shorter slots throughout the day.
We are often being bombarded with new tips and approaches of how to do things, but it is important to keep in mind that you should only do what works for you. If a stretch is not working for you, do something else! Regardless of whether you are a fitness guru or not, making sure you stretch regularly is vital for preventing problems in the future - 16004
About the Author:
Andrew Mitchell, editor of Osteopath Network, writes articles about local osteopaths, back pain, neck pain and soft tissue injuries. If you are looking for a Liverpool osteopath please visit his website.
