Picture provided by: Alexandrasports.com
Stretching after exercise is almost the most important part of your workout. You may not be aware of all the benefits it has during or after your workout. Read more to find out why you need to stretch after you exercise.
Importance To Your Body
Stretching after exercise has more benefits they you could ever think of it. First of all it improves your flexibility. This is very important if you are an athlete or if you older. It also helps you to be less likely to pull a muscle after your workout and the next day. Not only does it make you less likely to pull a muscle but it also relieves stiffness and helps to break down the lactic acid in your muscles.
Lactic acid is formed in your muscles during exercise. Typically this occurs when you do not exercise daily or regularly. Stretching helps to break down the lactic acid so it does not compile in your muscles. Lactic acid is one of the main reasons you may be sore the next day, so to prevent that stretch, stretch, and stretch some more.
Stretching also helps to keep our body in the correct posture. This one may come as a surprise to you but it really does work. If you stretch after exercise your muscles are lose. This is when you want to stretch your muscles. When you elongate your muscles it allows your body to go back into it’s original posture.
Stretching also helps your body to recover faster. It reduces fatigue and soreness. If you stretch then you will be more likely to be able to workout the next. Many people who skip stretching after exercise are unable to workout at their full potential the next day because they are sore.
Along with reducing lactic acid build up, stretching helps to increase the blood flow and nutrient supplies to your muscles. This relieves muscle soreness the next day.
Stretching after you exercise also helps you to be able to focus on the muscles that need the most attention. Certain muscles will be strained during exercise more than others. Try to stretch the muscles that are hurting to most for a longer duration of time. But don’t forget the other muscles either. Make sure to stretch all of your muscles after you exercise to prevent injury and soreness.
Stretching is so important to do after exercise. It helps your physical health tremendously. If you do not stretch after your workout then you are putting yourself at risk to get sore or pull a muscle.
Stretching For the Mind
Stretching for a short period of time can help your mind not just your physical health. If you stretch for 10-15 minutes or more your body relaxes. This gives your body a break and gives your body time to recharge. Yoga and Pilates are both great stretching classes that can help your mind and your body. Try to vary your stretching after exercise with one of these stretching classes or programs. It provides your body with a deep stretch and it gives you an opportunity to relax your mind.
How Long Should You Stretch?
You should stretch each muscle for more then 20 seconds. If you stretch any less it does not help your muscles to lengthen. Be careful that you do not stretch for too long though because that could hurt your muscles. Stretching each muscle group is very and important and you should do this at least 2-3 days a week. If you exercise daily make sure to stretch after every workout.
Stretching is a very important part of your workout. After you exercise you should stretch for at least 10 minutes or more. Make sure to stretch every muscle and target the muscles that feel the most fatigue. Stretching helps to reduce muscle fatigue, increase flexibility, improves posture, and much more. Stretching after exercise is important for anyone who exercises.
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