Lakewood BubbleLife - https://lakewood.bubblelife.com
Stretching: The Debate to Skip or Not to Skip

Stretching, either you love it or you hate it; however, I am going to make a case for why stretching should not be overlooked or undervalued.

Stretching before and after exercising is an essential component of any workout routine, and it is important to understand the reasons why. Pre-workout stretching helps to prepare your muscles for physical activity, increasing flexibility, reducing the risk of injury, and improving performance. Post-workout stretching helps to cool down your body and gradually return it to its normal state, promoting muscle recovery and reducing muscle soreness. In this way, stretching plays a crucial role in maintaining overall physical health and well-being. This article will explore the importance of stretching both before and after exercising, and provide tips on how to incorporate stretching into your workout routine.

 

Stretching Before Exercising

Warm-up stretches are necessary before exercising because they help to prepare your body for physical activity. When you warm up your muscles, you increase blood flow, heart rate, and body temperature, which helps to reduce the risk of injury and improve your overall performance during the workout. Additionally, warm-up stretches can help to improve your mental focus and readiness for physical activity, which can lead to a more effective workout. Here are some more reasons why you shouldn’t skip the warm-up:

  • Increased flexibility: Stretching helps to increase the flexibility of your muscles, which can help to prevent injuries and improve your range of motion.
  • Improved performance: Stretching before exercise can help to prepare your muscles for the workout, making them more pliable and ready to work.
  • Reduced risk of injury: Stretching before exercise can help to warm up your muscles, increasing blood flow and reducing the risk of injury.
  • Reduced muscle soreness: Stretching after exercise can help to reduce muscle soreness by increasing blood flow to the muscles and aiding in the removal of lactic acid.

Overall, including warm-up stretches in your exercise routine is important for helping to prevent injury, improving performance, and maximizing the benefits of your workout.

 

Here are some stretches that you can do prior to working out:

  • Hamstring stretch: Stand with your feet hip-width apart and your knees slightly bent. Slowly bend forward at the waist, keeping your back straight, until you feel a stretch in the back of your legs.
  • Quadriceps stretch: Stand with your feet hip-width apart and your knees slightly bent. Bring your right foot up toward your buttocks, grasp your ankle with your right hand, and gently pull your foot toward your buttocks until you feel a stretch in the front of your thigh. Repeat with the left leg.
  • Hip flexor stretch: Kneel on your right knee with your left foot in front of you, and place your hands on your left knee. Gently press your hips forward until you feel a stretch in the front of your right hip. Repeat with the left leg.
  • Shoulder stretch: Stand with your feet hip-width apart and your arms at your sides. Bring your right arm across your chest, and use your left hand to gently pull your right arm toward your chest until you feel a stretch in your shoulder. Repeat with the left arm.
  • Chest stretch: Stand with your feet hip-width apart and your arms at your sides. Bring your hands behind your back, clasping them together if possible. Gently pull your shoulder blades together and lift your hands up until you feel a stretch in your chest.

Remember to hold each stretch for at least 15-30 seconds, and to breathe deeply throughout the stretch. It's important to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard, as stretching should feel good and not painful.

 

Stretching After Exercising 

These stretches are also called “cool-down” stretches. They are important because they help to gradually reduce your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate after exercise. They also help to return your muscles to their pre-exercise state, which can help to reduce muscle soreness and stiffness.

 

  • Reduces risk of injury: Cooling down with stretching can help to prevent injury by gradually slowing down the intensity of your workout and allowing your body to return to its normal state.
  • Promotes muscle recovery: Cool-down stretches can help to promote muscle recovery by increasing blood flow to the muscles, which can help to reduce muscle soreness and improve flexibility.
  • Improves flexibility: Cool-down stretches can help to improve your flexibility by increasing blood flow to your muscles and reducing muscle tension.
  • Aids in relaxation: Cool-down stretches can help to calm your mind and promote relaxation after exercise, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety.
  • Improved recovery: Stretching after exercise can help to promote muscle recovery by increasing blood flow and reducing muscle tension.

 

Here are some stretches that you can do after working out:

 

  • Seated hamstring stretch: Sit on the ground with your legs straight out in front of you. Reach forward and try to touch your toes, keeping your back straight.
  • Child's pose: Start on your hands and knees, then sit back onto your heels while stretching your arms forward. Your forehead should be resting on the ground.
  • Figure four stretch: Lie on your back and cross your right ankle over your left knee. Grasp the back of your left thigh and gently pull your leg toward your chest until you feel a stretch in your right hip. Repeat with the left leg.
  • Shoulder stretch: Stand with your feet hip-width apart and your arms at your sides. Bring your right arm across your chest, and use your left hand to gently pull your right arm toward your chest until you feel a stretch in your shoulder. Repeat with the left arm.
  • Standing calf stretch: Stand facing a wall, and place your hands on the wall at shoulder height. Step back with one foot, keeping your heel on the ground, and lean forward until you feel a stretch in your calf. Repeat with the other foot.

Remember to hold each stretch for at least 15-30 seconds, and to breathe deeply throughout the stretch. Cool-down stretches can help to improve flexibility, reduce muscle soreness, and aid in recovery after exercise.

 

So to wrap-up, if you are running late to a workout class and just want to hop in or leave a class before the cool-down, you may think twice before doing so.

 

Looking to establish healthy habits with a personalized workout and nutrition plan? Please reach out to Body Renovation Fitness Center. Our experts specialize in personal training and nutrition plans to meet your every goal! Feel free to schedule a free evaluation at our website or give us a call at 214-368-3539.

Thursday, 06 April 2023