As many often do at the beginning of the year, we are creating guides to help you start the year off right in terms of your health and wellness goals. Taking care of your body is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and by doing so, you can not only start your whole year off right, but every day will start off great too.
One of the things you should definitely be incorporating into your regular morning routine is stretching! The benefits of stretching are boundless and overall just help you feel better. Take a look at the many things you can gain from stretching and start improving your health now!!
What Does Stretching Have to Offer?
The obvious answer starts with having better flexibility. It’s important to be flexible, as having tight muscles can lead to discomfort and even injury. However, it’s important to make sure that you’re not overdoing it and have a good ramp-up plan in place.
Like with exercise, you’ll want to take it slow to start off. You’ll want to aim for 5 to 10 minutes of dynamic stretching prior to any activity. Additionally, you’ll want to add 5 to 10 minutes of static stretching after any activity. Even if you aren’t planning to exercise that day, stretching is still necessary to help you stay flexible.
What’s the Difference Between Dynamic and Static Stretches? Static stretching involves holding a stretch in a comfortable position between 10 and 30 seconds while dynamic involves active movements that cause your muscles to stretch and are not held in position. This stretching is best before exercise, as it helps you to prepare and warm your muscles up.
How Stretching Helps Your Body
We’ve spoken about how stretching is great for flexibility but there’s so much more to it. Take a look below.
- It Increases Your Range of Motion - Having the freedom of movement in any of your joints not only feels great but allows you to have a better quality of life.
- Improves Your Performance in Physical Activities - Getting your muscles warm before activity just feels better but it also helps reduce your risk of injury.
- Improves Your Posture - Poor posture actually is typically connected to muscle imbalances.
- Helps Prevent Back Pain - If you have an existing back injury, stretching can help you heal.
- Offers Stress Relief - Stress often creates muscle tightness and discomfort. Stretching your neck and back can help relieve this.
- Decreases Tension Headaches - If you’re frequently experiencing tension headaches, exercise, a healthy diet and stretching can offer relief.
Start the Year Off Right With a Physical Therapist
If you’re currently suffering from muscle tightness, back pain, or an injury, it’s important to make sure that you’re doing what you can to heal. Working with a physical therapist allows you to focus on the issue at hand, with a plan that was created by an expert.
Get started on the path to feeling better and contact us here at Staats Physical Therapy!