Stretching is a practice widely performed by professional athletes and gym goers alike – but what is the importance of stretching?
The results may not be as obvious as 40 squats a day, but stretching shouldn’t be overlooked -stretching can increase your flexibility, decrease stress and reduce stiffness.
Whilst stretching is important, stretching a tendon just 4% beyond its original length can cause permanent damage – so it’s essential to know the different types of stretching before setting off!
What are the types of stretching?
Static stretching:
Holding your muscle in a challenging but comfortable position for around 10-30 seconds – static stretching should be performed after your warm up.
Example: Shoulder Stretch
Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation:
PNF is an advanced type of stretching. The technique requires the contraction and retraction of your muscles – PNF stretching is often used for training and rehabilitation.
Example: Kneeling Quad Stretch
Dynamic stretching:
Performing repetitive gentle movements of a muscle to increase the range of motion. Dynamic stretching builds and warms the muscle and is great pre-workout.
Example: walking lunges
But, why is stretching important?
Improved quality of life:
Increased flexibility can improve your quality of life, especially as you grow older – as the body ages the muscles shorten and weaken, regular stretching can reduce this.
Decreased stress:
Stretching stimulates the receptors in the nervous system that produce stress hormones and lengthens muscles which relieves tension in your body and mind.
Enhances health:
Yoga and PNF have been linked to improved health conditions including lower blood pressure and lower heart rates.
Stimulates athletic performance:
Regular stretching increases the mobility of your muscles! Increased mobility is beneficial during sporting activities and allows a larger range of movement.
Stretching has come a long way since that warm-up in P.E class!
To learn more about stretching or health and fitness why not book a fitness boot camp?
It’s the perfect way to start off your 2019 health kick!
