THE BENEFITS OF STRETCHING

STRETCHING AND ITS BENEFITS

• A routine of gentle stretching exercises helps to prevent episodes of back pain if practiced regularly. 

• It should be made a part of your daily routine, along with other exercises or just carrying out stretching can also be beneficial.

• Stretching make the muscles more flexible thus preventing injury by increasing your range of motion, also lengthens and loosens your muscles 

• Carry out simple stretching exercises once or twice a day as a daily routine.

• The exercises mentioned here are designed to increase the movement in your spine and reduce stiffness and pressure on your discs, ligaments, and facet joints to prevent back pain.

• Breathe deeply and rhythmically, relaxing your body.

• Inhale before each stretch and exhale during the movement. 

• Do the same number of stretches on both sides of your body, 

• Stop performing the stretch if you feel any pain, and carry it out on another day.

WHEN TO DO STRETCHING?

• Ideally, you should try to stretch daily. 

• If you decide to stretch every day, select a convenient time and either incorporate the stretches into your regular exercise routine or just carry them out independently. 

• Choose a time that works best for you, either first thing in the early morning or when you get home in the evening. 

• Try to include stretching as a routine program whenever possible.

• You can try a mild stretch during long periods working at the computer, get into the habit of taking regular stretching breaks; or take 5 minutes to perform a mild basic stretching after a flight or a long drive. 

• Even a short burst of stretching can be really refreshing and rejuvenate.

PHYSICAL BENEFITS

• Including regular stretching into your routine provides physical benefits, such as:

• Improving flexibility and balance thereby reducing the risk of injury.

• Improving and correcting posture by helping to balance muscle lengths, which aligns the body,.

• Improving flexibility and mobility helps to make sitting, walking, and standing easier.

• Promoting relaxation 

• Reducing stress.

• Energizing body and mind.

STRETCHING DURING PREGNANCY

• Gentle stretching is generally safe and beneficial during pregnancy and after delivery. 

PRECAUTION

• A hormone, Relaxin, which is produced during pregnancy, relaxes the ligaments in preparation for childbirth, but it may increase the risk of stretching beyond your normal range.

• Consult with your doctor before you start stretching and follow their advice.