Stretching is one of the five main components of fitness, and that’s why it should be a crucial part of your workout session. Stretching on a regular basis can have more than one health benefit. There are mainly two types of stretching – Static, where you stretch and hold the position for a specific time and repeat it. Dynamic stretching involves moving a joint through its full range of motion repeatedly without holding it in one place.
Decreases Muscle StiffnessÂ
As we age, our joints lose range of motion. Stretching helps to improve the range of motion, which also prevents the degeneration of bones.Â
Improved Posture
Tight muscles lead to poor posture. To be more specific, the hips, back, and chest muscles cause poor posture when they are tight. Many of us spend a lot of time sitting in front of the computer or tablet and cell phone. This position of rounded shoulders and forward head is a poor posture. We can improve this posture by stretching the hamstring muscles and upper trapezius.Â
Prevents Injury
Stretching before and after a workout is vital for your body to perform efficiently. It increases the range of motion, which reaps more benefits from the workout you perform. HIIT, or High-Intensity Interval Training, needs your muscles to work at their maximum potential, and it may cause muscle pull or tear if you do not stretch properly. Stretching 15 minutes before a workout can elevate the chances of injury.Â
Improves Sleep Quality
Stretching not only gives physical but mental benefits also. A study in 2019 proved that some participants with insomnia experienced better sleep quality after stretching 3 times a week. As we said, sitting in the office in front of the computer tires our muscles, and we struggle to sleep at night. These are the symptoms of our muscles being very tense. Stretching releases muscle tension and offers good-quality sleep.Â
