One of the biggest disadvantages of today’s modern life is the fact that most of us spend too much time in a seated position, as we work at an office. Although this doesn’t involve any kind of physical effort, it can lead to tensed muscles, back and neck pain and discomfort, and issues related to poor blood circulation. So, the best thing we can do to prevent all of these is to stand up and stretch, in order to relieve tension and allow a better circulation of fluids along the body. You can also use simple stretching equipment to enhance the effects provided by this technique.
However, there are special stretching exercises everybody should include in their daily routine. These exercises are much more than the stretching you do when you get out of bed or get up from sitting on a chair. Many people don’t pay stretching the amount of attention it deserves, as exercises in this category can really make a difference in the way we feel day by day. More than this, stretching can have a positive impact on our health, especially if you spend many hours in an office. If you need more reasons to start performing stretching, here are 8 ways it can help you enjoy better health and overall wellness.
- You’ll enjoy better flexibility
In order to perform a variety of movements with easiness and in a comfortable manner, without the risk of suffering unwanted injuries, you need to be flexible. Flexibility can be achieved only by performing a set of exercises meant to improve the condition of your muscles, ligaments, and tendons. So, besides adopting a routine that will allow your body to exercise, you should also consider including stretches in it as well. It is worth knowing that a body that is more flexible will require less energy to perform daily tasks. This means that you will feel more comfortable when performing a variety of movements.
- Your energy levels will be boosted
How many times did you feel the need to stretch as soon as you got out of bed? It’s like your body is requesting those stretches, so it can start better and faster in the morning. Probably you felt better immediately, as they help detention your muscles and allows better blood flow into all the tissues of the body. So, next time you feel a lack of energy at the office, stand up and start stretching. You may just need the same kind of boost you enjoy in the morning when you stretch to enjoy a fresher start.
- You’ll increase the stamina of your muscles
If you’re working out or exercising in any way, you should know that a session of stretching before and after the work out session is more than recommended. Prior to a workout session, a set of stretches can increase the stamina of your muscles, improving your physical performance throughout the entire training session. Also, after workouts, stretching will stimulate blood flow to your muscles and organs. This means more oxygen and nutrients, which, in turn, will prevent soreness, fatigue, and discomfort, usually experienced after a strenuous training session. If you want to hang in there for just a bit longer, performing one more set or one more rep, stretching will help you do so.
- Your body’s posture will get better
A bad body posture can lead to back pain, whether you have a bad posture when you walk or sit. The majority of people have a bad body posture because this is usually a result of sitting too much at a desk. Due to an extended seated position, certain groups of muscles get all cramped up, changing our posture into an unhealthy one. Luckily, we can correct our posture with the help of stretches. To maintain a straight spine, focus your stretching exercises on your lower back, shoulders, and neck. Stretching will also help muscles relax, which may be responsible for a slouching body posture.
- Muscle soreness will be decreased
It is not uncommon to end up with sore muscles after a hard workout. If you didn’t know, you can avoid this by stretching well at the end of the workout session. When you train your muscles, they consume a lot of resources, like oxygen and nutrients. The lack of oxygen in the muscles will create that
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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