4 Benefits of Stretching

At HiDow, we’re always looking for a better way to help our customers treat the pain and discomfort that often results from injuries. One of the most common and effective methods, both as a preventative measure and as a tool for recovery, is stretching. There are endless benefits of stretching. Stretching promotes flexibility and calmness and can be a preventative measure for injuries while allowing your muscles to recover quickly. It is so essential to your well-being, both physically and mentally, that you should stretch daily before and after you work out.

Flexibility

One of the most important benefits of stretching is the improved range of motion and flexibility you get from stretching regularly. Stretching a few times a week, even if you aren’t working out, can help you maintain flexibility in areas that tend to get tight and stiff, like your lower back, hips, and legs. Being more limber will give you a full range of motion and better posture, and the rush of blood you get from it will instantly make you feel better.

Calming

Stretching isn’t just something that you do before you take off on a marathon. When you stretch, you also take deep, calming breaths that help calm your nerves as you limber up. For athletes, this is an excellent opportunity to get into your “zone” before you compete. Even if you’re not an athlete, you can still use stretching to focus on your daily goals or to breathe and reflect on your day as you decompress. Either way, giving yourself a few minutes daily is an excellent way to calm down and relax.

Preventative

Stretching is also mostly preventative. Stretching before and after exercise can help keep soreness, swelling, and injuries at bay! It’s especially important to incorporate both dynamic and static stretches into your workout, depending on what kind of activities you are about to do. Increased flexibility, range of motion, and blood flow can limit the number of injuries from exercise. Dynamic stretching after your workout can also help you ease out of your training and bring your heart rate down steadily.

Promotes Recovery

Stretching can also help reset your body and help promote recovery after exercisesing or injuries. Static stretching has been shown to reduce electromyographic median frequency fatigue in muscles, which can help injured individuals cope with chronic pain. Stretching also helps reduce soreness and inflammation.