Stretching improves the flexibility of your muscles, allowing you to have a full range of motion. It also reduces your body’s resistance to movement, which allows you efficient muscular contractions.
Did you know that you can use stretching to treat posture problems? Often poor posture is a result of muscle weakness, on only one side of the joint. This can lead to tightening of the muscle tissue on the other side of the joint, resulting in a stiff lower back, inability to touch toes with straight legs, and rounded shoulders. Stretching also reduces your chance of injury, can improve your performance in sports, and can prevent muscle shortening that occurs with weight training.
In addition, stretching can have a beneficial affect on your mind.If you can perform stretching exercises at a slow pace, in a very focused manner, it can reduce stress, and anxiety, and lower blood pressure.
Some guidlines to follow when stretching:
-In order to maintain flexibility stretch at least three times per week, for ten to twenty minutes each session.
-Hold a stretch until you feel a gentle pull. You should not feel pain when stretching.
-Focus on the muscles you are stretching .
