We've been told hundreds of times: we need to stretch before doing sports or physical exercises. In school we were all taught that if we want to prevent getting injured, then we must stretch before doing any physical activity. Forget the fact that all top athletes stretch - we just do not have the motivation to do it on a daily basis.
So why do we stretch? Stretching can be beneficial in many ways. The most apparent reason is the one we have been lectured about - that doing stretches reduces the risk of getting hurt during and after any physical activity. But why exactly is that? Every time we stretch, oxygenated blood gets circulated throughout the body and brain. This not only improves our physical and mental functions, but flushes the unwanted toxins out of our body. Our joints, muscles, and tendons lose much of their flexibility as we get older, so the more you stretch while you are still young, the more physically active you'll be in the future.
Stretching is also an effective stress-reliever. Your muscles store excess tensions when you are under physical or emotional stress. Stretching the stress-targeted areas serves to dispel these tensions. However, the most important reason for stretching, from an osteopath's perspective, is to maintain your back. The back can get stiff easily because it can only move in three directions, so as the back makes up the basis our musculoskeletal system, it is important that we keep in as fluid and flexible as possible.
It is best to stretch at least three times a week, preferably in the mornings after a hot shower has warmed up your muscles, or at the end of the day, when your muscles have been warmed naturally.
Stretching is not easy, no matter what the professionals say, mainly for the reason that stretching routines become very dull. Setting up a routine is no problem - sticking to it is a different matter. The best way to ensure that you continue with your stretch routine is to make the exercises more enjoyable. Instead of going about them alone, invite a friend or relative to join your routine. Tedious activities always seem more interesting with company around. Or if you prefer to operate alone, do your stretches in front of the telly - during the news or your favourite program. This is the best way to get off the sofa, get your stretches done, and still do something you like.
You might have heard of the recent controversy - some experts are now arguing that static stretching (stretching while standing still) actually makes muscles weaker. As there is no concrete evidence to suggest that this is true, the best solution is to find the right balance. Do not hold stretch positions for too long, and try to incorporate as much movement into each stretch (i.e. swinging your arms or legs instead of holding them still). Also try to avoid having long stretch sessions - it is better to do shorter slots throughout the day.
In this new age of technology, you are constantly bombarded with new medical 'discoveries' or tips on how to do certain things, such as stretches. While most of these are useful, it is important for you to realize what works for you, and what doesn't. If a stretch does not work, do something different! Regardless of whether you are a top athlete or just merely trying to stay healthy, doing stretches regularly is very important for your future wellbeing. - 16650
So why do we stretch? Stretching can be beneficial in many ways. The most apparent reason is the one we have been lectured about - that doing stretches reduces the risk of getting hurt during and after any physical activity. But why exactly is that? Every time we stretch, oxygenated blood gets circulated throughout the body and brain. This not only improves our physical and mental functions, but flushes the unwanted toxins out of our body. Our joints, muscles, and tendons lose much of their flexibility as we get older, so the more you stretch while you are still young, the more physically active you'll be in the future.
Stretching is also an effective stress-reliever. Your muscles store excess tensions when you are under physical or emotional stress. Stretching the stress-targeted areas serves to dispel these tensions. However, the most important reason for stretching, from an osteopath's perspective, is to maintain your back. The back can get stiff easily because it can only move in three directions, so as the back makes up the basis our musculoskeletal system, it is important that we keep in as fluid and flexible as possible.
It is best to stretch at least three times a week, preferably in the mornings after a hot shower has warmed up your muscles, or at the end of the day, when your muscles have been warmed naturally.
Stretching is not easy, no matter what the professionals say, mainly for the reason that stretching routines become very dull. Setting up a routine is no problem - sticking to it is a different matter. The best way to ensure that you continue with your stretch routine is to make the exercises more enjoyable. Instead of going about them alone, invite a friend or relative to join your routine. Tedious activities always seem more interesting with company around. Or if you prefer to operate alone, do your stretches in front of the telly - during the news or your favourite program. This is the best way to get off the sofa, get your stretches done, and still do something you like.
You might have heard of the recent controversy - some experts are now arguing that static stretching (stretching while standing still) actually makes muscles weaker. As there is no concrete evidence to suggest that this is true, the best solution is to find the right balance. Do not hold stretch positions for too long, and try to incorporate as much movement into each stretch (i.e. swinging your arms or legs instead of holding them still). Also try to avoid having long stretch sessions - it is better to do shorter slots throughout the day.
In this new age of technology, you are constantly bombarded with new medical 'discoveries' or tips on how to do certain things, such as stretches. While most of these are useful, it is important for you to realize what works for you, and what doesn't. If a stretch does not work, do something different! Regardless of whether you are a top athlete or just merely trying to stay healthy, doing stretches regularly is very important for your future wellbeing. - 16650
About the Author:
Andrew Mitchell, editor of Osteopath Network, writes articles about cranial osteopathy, back pain, neck pain and soft tissue injuries. If you are looking for a Leeds osteopath or for an osteopath in the UK please visit his website.
