Why You Need to Stretch

A stretching routine is a simple and effective way for you to improve your fitness. There are a number of advantages that you can realize by sticking to a regular stretching program. This kind of fitness program is recommended by the pros as a way to regain or improve flexibility and to give yourself some protection against possible injury while working out, playing a sport or just your normal activities.

One of the best benefits of stretching routines is that your mobility becomes greatly improved. As you continue to stretch your body's muscles, you don't just maintain your flexibility, you will continually improve it. If you ever quit your stretching program, your muscles will tighten up once again and you'll become much less flexible; you'll be right back where you started.

For many people, total flexibility is the objective and they opt for a stretching routine that works all regions of their bodies during their workout. You can more easily avoid injuries that can be sustained just through normal activity by engaging in a good stretching program. You'll be much less inclined to sprain an ankle, pull a ligament or strain a muscle if you're flexible. This happens because your muscles become skilled at moving in various directions.

As you advance with your stretching program, you'll discover that your joint pain is considerably reduced because they are used more frequently. Plus, muscles that are properly stretched are generally healthier because of the improved blood flow they experience. Your muscles will benefit from improved blood flow because they will more efficiently receive the oxygen and nutrients that will make them stronger.

A targeted stretching program, like that applied in physical therapy, can improve the strength of a specific muscle group considerably. And it will probably only take a few weeks if you're really determined to perform the movements.

However, a flexibility routine will be effective only if you are performing the moves properly. So it's essential to study your movements with care to be sure that your are doing them correctly. Therefore you're more likely to get the most benefit out of your workout.

A stretching routine will improve your sense of well being and boost your body image, whether your objective is muscle toning or an increase in strength. In order to receive the most benefits from a stretching program, you should include it in your workouts at least three times each week.