We've heard it again and again: stretch before doing sports or before you go jogging. Ever since first year gym class, we have been taught that stretching before doing physically demanding work is key if we want to prevent getting serious injured. Never mind that all the top athletes do it - there is just not enough motivated for us to do it on a daily basis.
So why should we stretch? Stretching can, in fact, be advantageous in a number of ways. The first, and most obvious reason we should stretch is the old (yet valid) argument that we have been spoon-fed for so long - that stretching minimizes injury during any physical activity, and makes the tired muscles less painful the next day. But why is this? As we stretch, we send oxygenated blood to circulate through our body and brain, which helps rid our body of unwanted toxins and it enhances both our physical and mental performance. Our joints, tendons, and muscles tend to lose their elasticity with old age, so the more we stretch when we are young, the more fit and flexible you'll be in the future.
Stretching is also an effective stress-reliever. Your muscles store excess tensions when you are under physical or emotional stress. Stretching the stress-targeted areas serves to dispel these tensions. However, the most important reason for stretching, from an osteopath's perspective, is to maintain your back. The back can get stiff easily because it can only move in three directions, so as the back makes up the basis our musculoskeletal system, it is important that we keep in as fluid and flexible as possible.
It is best to stretch at least three times a week, preferably in the mornings after a hot shower has warmed up your muscles, or at the end of the day, when your muscles have been warmed naturally.
Regardless of what professionals say, stretching is not easy - primarily due to the fact that it can be rather tedious and dull. You can set up a stretch routine very easily - sticking to it is the problem. The most effective ways to ensure that you follow your routine is to make the exercises fun. If you watch the news or have a favourite show that comes on the telly every day, do some stretches during the program instead of lounging on your sitting-room sofa. You also have a fixed stretching session with a relative or friend - company always has a tendency to make mundane activities seem interesting.
You might have heard of the recent controversy - some experts are now arguing that static stretching (stretching while standing still) actually makes muscles weaker. As there is no concrete evidence to suggest that this is true, the best solution is to find the right balance. Do not hold stretch positions for too long, and try to incorporate as much movement into each stretch (i.e. swinging your arms or legs instead of holding them still). Also try to avoid having long stretch sessions - it is better to do shorter slots throughout the day.
We are often being bombarded with new tips and approaches of how to do things, but it is important to keep in mind that you should only do what works for you. If a stretch is not working for you, do something else! Regardless of whether you are a fitness guru or not, making sure you stretch regularly is vital for preventing problems in the future - 14130
So why should we stretch? Stretching can, in fact, be advantageous in a number of ways. The first, and most obvious reason we should stretch is the old (yet valid) argument that we have been spoon-fed for so long - that stretching minimizes injury during any physical activity, and makes the tired muscles less painful the next day. But why is this? As we stretch, we send oxygenated blood to circulate through our body and brain, which helps rid our body of unwanted toxins and it enhances both our physical and mental performance. Our joints, tendons, and muscles tend to lose their elasticity with old age, so the more we stretch when we are young, the more fit and flexible you'll be in the future.
Stretching is also an effective stress-reliever. Your muscles store excess tensions when you are under physical or emotional stress. Stretching the stress-targeted areas serves to dispel these tensions. However, the most important reason for stretching, from an osteopath's perspective, is to maintain your back. The back can get stiff easily because it can only move in three directions, so as the back makes up the basis our musculoskeletal system, it is important that we keep in as fluid and flexible as possible.
It is best to stretch at least three times a week, preferably in the mornings after a hot shower has warmed up your muscles, or at the end of the day, when your muscles have been warmed naturally.
Regardless of what professionals say, stretching is not easy - primarily due to the fact that it can be rather tedious and dull. You can set up a stretch routine very easily - sticking to it is the problem. The most effective ways to ensure that you follow your routine is to make the exercises fun. If you watch the news or have a favourite show that comes on the telly every day, do some stretches during the program instead of lounging on your sitting-room sofa. You also have a fixed stretching session with a relative or friend - company always has a tendency to make mundane activities seem interesting.
You might have heard of the recent controversy - some experts are now arguing that static stretching (stretching while standing still) actually makes muscles weaker. As there is no concrete evidence to suggest that this is true, the best solution is to find the right balance. Do not hold stretch positions for too long, and try to incorporate as much movement into each stretch (i.e. swinging your arms or legs instead of holding them still). Also try to avoid having long stretch sessions - it is better to do shorter slots throughout the day.
We are often being bombarded with new tips and approaches of how to do things, but it is important to keep in mind that you should only do what works for you. If a stretch is not working for you, do something else! Regardless of whether you are a fitness guru or not, making sure you stretch regularly is vital for preventing problems in the future - 14130
About the Author:
Andrew Mitchell, editor of Osteopath Network, writes articles about, back pain, neck pain and soft tissue injuries. If you are looking for an Cambridge osteopath or for osteopaths elsewhere in the UK please visit the Osteopath Network website.
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