1.Get your muscle ready
Stretching prior to exercise can warm the muscle up by bringing more blood flow to the muscles. Not to mention the athletes can enhance their performance in sports like running, basketball, gymnastics and so on. Why not stretch if you can perform better?
2.Better posture
Muscles like upper trapezius, levator scapulae, hip flexor, hamstrings tend to tense especially if you spend long hours sitting in the office or looking at your phone. In fact, strenghtening and stretching do help to encourage proper alignment, Stretch everyday, then there’s nothing holding you back!
3. Have a speedy recovery!
Stretching helps to align collagen fibres which heal muscles. Blood circulation will be improved and you can shorten the recovery time. In addition, stretching is crucial after surgery as the scar tissue can limit your movement like walking or lifting, So, stretch before the damage is irreversible.
4. Less tension, less pain
If your muscles are tensed for a long period of time, it will develop trigger points and you may experience neck or back pain. By stretching, you can induce muscle relaxation that helps to relieve the tension. As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure, stretch before the pain comes.
5. More flexible
Stretching does help to make your life easier because you will be able to bend, turn or reach with ease. Imagine you are trying to reach forward to get something but you can’t because your trunk is too stiff and weak, how frustrating it is. You are also risking yourself for muscle injury too. Do not hesitate to take advantage of the benefits of stretching daily.
Article by CHIA CHO LI
Physiotherapist form Your Physio