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Since flexibility is one of the five components of fitness, stretching
should be an integral part of every workout program. As we age our bodies
naturally become less flexible and more prone to injury. With flexibility
training, however, we can keep our bodies more limber and youthful.
ACE, America’s Authority on Fitness, shares the following top
ten reasons why every one should take time to stretch.
- Decreases muscle stiffness and increases range of motion. Stretching
helps improve your range of motion which may also slow the degeneration
of the joints.
- May reduce your risk of injury. A flexible muscle is less likely
to become injured from a slightly extensive movement. By increasing
the range of motion in a particular joint through stretching, you
may decrease the resistance on your muscles during various activities.
- Helps relieve post-exercise aches and pains. After a hard workout,
stretching the muscles will keep them loose and lessen a shortening
and tightening effect that can lead to post-workout aches and pains.
- Improves posture. Stretching the muscles of the lower back, shoulders
and chest will help keep your back in better alignment and improve
your posture.
- Helps reduce or manage stress. Well stretched muscles hold less
tension and therefore, leave you feeling less stressed.
- Reduces muscular tension and enhances muscular relaxation. Stretching
allows the muscles to relax.
- Habitually tense muscles tend to cut off their own circulation resulting
in a lack of oxygen and essential nutrients.
- Improves mechanical efficiency and overall functional performance.
Since a flexible joint requires less energy to move through a wider
range of motion, a flexible body improves overall performance by creating
more energy-efficient movements.
- Prepares the body for the stress of exercise. Stretching prior to
exercise allows the muscles to loosen up and become resistant to the
impact they are about to undergo.
- Promotes circulation. Stretching increases blood supply to the muscles
and joints which allow for greater nutrient transportation and improves
the circulation of blood through the entire body.
- Decreases the risk of low-back pain. Flexibility in the hamstrings,
hip flexors and muscles attached to the pelvis relieves stress on
the lumbar spine which in turn reduces the risk of low-back pain.
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This article was provided by ACE, the American
Council on Exercise.
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