The Many Benefits of Adding Stretches to Your Daily Routine!!

Are You Stretching Every Day?

If you are an athlete, you know how important it is to exercise on a regular basis, in order to maintain and improve your performance. However, if you're not stretching before and after your workouts, you aren't taking full advantage of a complete workout routine!

Daily stretching (as opposed to only doing “as needed” stretches when feeling stiff or tight) has many proven benefits.

In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic, “stretching can increase flexibility and improve your joints' range of motion, helping you move more freely, and ensuring that you have equal flexibility on both sides might help protect you from injury.”

There are several specific benefits to stretching both before and after a workout. For more information, contact Fusion Performance today to consult with a physical therapist!

Why you should stretch before your workouts:

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, including, but not limited to:

• Improved flexibility and range of motion. Correct stretching will loosen your muscles and tendons. This will increase flexibility and range of motion during your workout.
• Enhanced blood circulation. The first thing stretching can do is increase your blood flow. Increased blood flow to your muscles prepares them for strenuous activity.
• Improved health and wellness. All of the above; increased blood flow, flexibility, and range of motion, will improve overall performance.

Why you should stretch after your workouts:

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, including, but not limited to:

• Relaxation for both the body and mind. It's beneficial for both body and mind to gradually slow down. When you stretch after a workout you're giving yourself the chance to gradually wind-down.
• Pain relief and future injury prevention. Muscles that stay tight after a workout are more prone to injury, but the right kind of stretching exercises can limit pain throughout the body. Loosening up your muscles will also reduce your chance of injury.
• Lactic acid release. 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.

Looking for more stretching tips? We've got you covered

If you are looking for more ways to add stretching into your daily life, don't hesitate to contact Fusion Performance today! 

Our dedicated physical therapists can help you learn which stretches are best for you and how they can benefit you specifically, based on your physical needs and goals.