What people think about Stretching

A lot of times, when people are asked if they stretch, as a part of their fitness regime. We often hear:

Stretching…? Ofcourse, I do a warm up and a cool down!?? It’s the same right? 

Stretching helps in avoiding injuries and I’m very careful, so I skip it…..

I have only 30-45 minutes, thus I just do some cardio and weights. 

Importance of Stretching

Well, Dear people, Stretches should be done regularly! Stretching is one of the best ways to keep your muscles healthy. As it strengthens your muscles and increases your flexibility. Besides, it keeps the muscles and joints supple. And helps with your day-to-day range of motion and guards against injuries.

If you do not stretch then the muscles become short and tight. Then, one fine day, when you call on the muscles for activity/palying, they are weak and unable to extend all the way. Thus, putting you at the risk for joint pain, strains and muscle damage.

For a long time, stretching was confused with warm-ups. But, stretching without a warm-up can lead to injuries. Also, good stretching happens when the muscles are warmed up. Thus, we work on them efficiently, when stretching.

Benefits of Stretching

• Improved flexibility
• Improved Mobility
• Strengthens and lengthens the muscles
• Reduces stiffness and pain
• Reduces risk of injury
• Improved blood circulation
• Decreases stress

Pro-Tips to improve Stretching

• Warm up before stretching
• Hold the stretch for 30 seconds to a minute
• Stretch on both the sides
• Slow down the breath cycles
• Lengthen the exhalations
• Differentiate between the good and bad pain (Know when to stop).
• If a particular muscle/fascia feels tight, focus on it everyday.
• Incase of injuries, speak to your doctor or trainer.

To reap the benefits of stretching, you have to do it the right way. Modify, adapt and adjust the stretch to suit your particular needs. Yoga’s rule number 1 is to, listen to your body. Happy stretching!  

Iti Jain

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