When many people wake up, they are tired and stiff due to muscle clenching while sleeping. Stretching may bring relief because this deliberately muscle elongation increases mobility of joints and flexibility of muscles. It is an important exercise routine but even athletes can reap the benefits of a stretch when they wake up each morning.
Top Benefits of Stretching
The Mayo Clinic lists increased flexibility and range of motion and two of the main advantages of a good stretch. When the muscles are flexible, it is easier to bend, lift, and move quickly. With the flexibility decreases with age, stretching helps to restore it. Stretching also improves circulation by increasing blood flow to the muscles. This flow removes the waste by product and returns nutrients to muscle tissue. For people with injuries muscle, improve blood circulation can reduce recovery times.
Stretching in the morning and throughout the day can prevent muscles contract so the correct posture can be maintained. Good posture relieves pain, making work, school, and playing more pleasant. Relaxing tight muscles also helps to relieve stress, which often causes the muscles to become tense. Stretching can even enhance coordination by keeping the body in better balance. This is especially important for older people because of balance and coordination improve mobility and reduce the risk of injury from falling.
Reaping the benefits of Stretching
Exercise proper stretching techniques helps to prevent injury. Start by walking and pumping arms gently to warm muscles. Follow with a gentle stretch, holding each stretch for 30 to 60 seconds. A stretch held for at least 30 seconds, may be performed once. Do not bounce while stretching because this can tear a muscle, so the scar tissue that tightens the muscle even more.
If stretching causes pain, it is too high, then drop until it is no longer painful and keep it for at least 30 seconds. Concentrate on your breathing while stretching and stretching both sides of the body to recover range of motion in the joints. In addition to stretching every morning, do some light stretching after a workout heating and wider stretch after exercise.
Just this morning stretching promotes muscle and joint flexibility, stimulates the senses and prepares the movement of the day. About ten minutes of stretching every morning will improve physical health over your lifetime. It’s fun and feeling good so improve the daily lives and reap many benefits.