Why Stretch?

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Everyone has heard that stretching is good for them, but do we actually know why? Stretching increases the blood flow throughout your entire body, including your brain! If you find yourself in an afternoon slump at work, try trading your afternoon coffee for a 10-minute stretch break. That is not the only benefit to stretching, here are a few more-
  • It doesn’t take much time! You should aim to hold each stretch for 20-30 seconds. Theoretically, you can accomplish 3 different stretches, on both sides of your body, holding them for 30 seconds each in 5 minutes! Taking a few 5 minute breaks throughout your workday to stretch can increase productivity and make you feel rejuvenated.
  • Research shows that those who stretch are likely more stable. Stretching helps with fine-muscle coordination which might make an individual more stable by making small balance adjustments. This can be especially important during the winter months when there is ice on the ground!
  • Reduces muscle stiffness and could add to your workout. Being flexible increases your body’s range of motion. This could allow an individual to have deeper squats, farther reach, and higher lifts. Stretching might also decrease your likelihood of injury.
  • STRESS LESS! Isn’t that something we would all like? Mentally and physically, stretching helps. Reducing the tension in your muscles allows your body to feel more relaxed which plays a direct role in your mindset.
Stretching is something you must work up to. Stretching is like any form of physical activity, if you over do it and push beyond your limits you could seriously hurt yourself. Start where you are comfortable and work up to a full range of motion- if you are hurting, you are doing it incorrectly.





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