Why Stretching Is Important: Know Its Benefits; Exercises You Can Do
Stretching improves your body’s flexibility. However, it’s not the only benefit
We all know how important exercise is for optimal health. Many people stretch before and after their exercise routine to warm up and cool down. But what about stretching himself? According to David Nolan, a physical therapist at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital, many people don’t understand that one should stretch every day, not just occasionally or when they exercise. Everyone knows that when you stretch, your body becomes more flexible. However, are there other benefits from it? The answer is, yes. So, let’s look at them one by one.
Benefits Of Stretching
- Flexibility: Although not the only benefit, it can be considered the main benefit of stretching. Flexibility makes it easier for you to do daily activities. It also slows down the mobility problems that come with age.
- Promotes Blood Circulation: Stretching helps in improving blood circulation. When done before and after exercise, it increases blood circulation to your muscles, which may help with muscle soreness.
- Helps Overcome Aches & Pains: If you are experiencing pain, especially in your back or neck, it may be due to tight muscles. But when you stretch, those muscles become looser, which may help in relieving or at least reducing the pain.
- Expand Your Range of Motion: When you stretch, your muscles loosen, and you can move your joints more, and thus, your range of motion expands.
- Relieves Stress: Muscles usually become tense in moments of stress. You may have experienced that when you are stressed, some part of your body becomes tense, whether it is your neck, the back of your head, or your shoulders. As you already know that stretching helps to relax muscles. It also helps with stress. Also, when you do such exercises
- mindfully, it calms your mind and makes you relaxed, thus helping with stress.
- May Help Relieve Headaches: In many cases, stress can cause headaches. Since stretching helps with relaxation, it may also help in relieving stress-induced headaches.
Stretching Exercises
Now that you know some of the benefits of stretching, let’s look at some stretching exercises you can do:
Quad Stretch
- Start by standing up straight with your feet hip-width apart.
- Next, bend your right leg by bringing your right heel to touch your right hip.
- Hold your right leg with your right hand.
- Stay for a few seconds and repeat the same thing on the opposite side.
Shoulder Stretch
- You can do this exercise either standing, sitting, or any way you like.
- Keep your spine straight, and relax your shoulders.
- Extend your right arm overhead.
- Bend your elbow and place your right palm under your neck.
- With your left palm, pull your right elbow further down.
- Repeat the same on the opposite side.
Neck Stretch
- This is another exercise that you can do while standing or sitting.
- Keep your spine straight and shoulders relaxed.
- Bring your right ear toward your right shoulder.
- You can place your right palm on the left side of your head to press your head down further.
- To lighten the exercise, you can slightly extend your left arm a few inches to the left. Bring the fingers of your left palm to touch the floor for better support.
- Stay here for a few seconds and repeat the same thing on the opposite side.
Butterfly Pose
- Sit on the floor with your spine straight and legs extended in front of you.
- Bend your knees and bring your feet to touch each other.
- You can use your palms to press your knees further down.
- Either stay here, or you can gently fold forward for a deep stretch along your back.
- Stay here for a few breaths and release slowly.
Cobra Pose
- Start by lying on your stomach.
- Bring your palms under your shoulders and press the floor with your palms.
- Then, slowly get up.
- In this pose, your arms will not be straight and there will be a gentle bend. Your chest will be lifted off the floor while your stomach and lower body will remain in contact with the floor.
- You can stay in this pose for a few breaths before slowly releasing.
Bridge Pose
- Begin by lying on your back with your legs extended and arms at your sides.
- Next, bend your knees and place your feet flat on the floor.
- Tuck your shoulders in slightly, straighten your abs and glutes and slowly rise.
- Try to bring your palms to touch your feet.
- Stay in this pose for a few breaths and release slowly.
So, as you can see the benefits of stretching are many. There are several exercises you can do for the same. However, remember that daily stretching is key for optimal benefits.
