What is the point of stretching after a workout?
I’m in a rush, what happens when I don’t stretch?
It’s easy to forget, or skip, the stretching part of a workout because the results don’t seem obvious. In fact, you may believe stretching is a waste of time. Then again, you may think your time is better spent putting away your equipment, or getting to the shower.
But don’t dismiss stretching so quickly. Actually, stretching leads to better posture, fewer aches and pains, more confidence, and a cheerier outlook on life.
To begin with, the jury is still out on whether to stretch at the beginning of your workout. On the other hand, stretching after a workout will improve your flexibility (joint range of motion). As a matter of fact, it also decreases your risk of injury and smooths your recovery.
Stretching is the process of placing parts of the body into positions that will lengthen your muscles and associated soft tissues to make them flexible.
Flexibility is how far we can reach, bend or turn. A technical term for flexibility is range of motion (ROM), which is how far a joint can move.
First, here’s the bad news: your body doesn’t retain mobility and flexibility. So, if you want to remain limber, you have to make stretching a regular routine. At the very least, you’ll benefit from stretching after you exercise
Above all, each stretch should be done slowly, with a steady motion, to the point of “mild discomfort,” but not to the point of pain. Most importantly, hold each stretch for 15-30 seconds.
There are several different types of stretching. At this time, I’m talking about static stretching, which is both effective and safe.
You actually get a lot of results from stretching, and it doesn’t take a lot of time. This this in mind, these are some benefits you can expect from stretching regularly:
- Boost blood circulation
- Expand ability to perform activities of daily living (reaching, lifting, balancing, etc.)
- Improve posture
- Increase muscular coordination
- Relax Mentally
- Speed up workout recovery
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