Not often do people take into consideration the importance of stretching.
Before
&
after working out.
Explained: Muscles need to be well circulated. The majority of our days are spent in the same posture creating a tight life for muscles. This causes pain even for those who don’t work out regularly. Stretching creates blood circulation that promotes the amount of nutrients and oxygen delivered to the muscles. This helps to avoid tension and stress, reduce possible injury, and increasing not only your range of motion, but energy as well! And let’s be honest, who isn’t looking for more energy these days?
Still, how does stretching have anything to do with my workout at the gym?
Haven’t you ever started something and thought “Oh, well I need a few warm up attempts” or “Once I get into the groove I’ll perform better” Well, that warm up or groove needed is stretching. Your muscles need loosened up and that blood flow needs to be present in order to effectively reach goals.
How to do it right:
Take time to focus on stretching like you would take time to do anything with a positive effect. Remember that if you half ass your stretch, it will half ass you. So spend a nice 20 counts with each movement, move calmly, and key in on what muscle groups you will be using.
After my workout though?
That’s right! As effective as the pre-workout, stretching ensures itself in the post-workout. It is said that during a workout lactic acid builds up in the muscles which can aid in delayed onset muscle soreness(DOMS). Lactic acid is created when the body breaks down carbohydrates for energy. Stretching would merely use this left over lactic acid as a fuel to aid in recovery. Not to mention, stretching just feels nice after strenuous workouts and helps relax the mind.
SO:
Stretching can be done by anyone, takes little time, yet makes a huge impact.
GET ON IT!
-Jepha
Jepha Mooi 