Assisted Stretching

When you think of stretching, you may picture someone sitting and reaching for their toes to stretch their hamstrings, or perhaps doing a few lunges before going on a run.

While passive hamstring stretches and lunges can be useful, many people are unaware that science-based stretching techniques are used for physical improvements.

In fact, stretching has long been a component of fitness training, even though it’s commonly an afterthought for your typical gym-goer.

Still, stretch therapy techniques are an important part of functional movement. Here’s why they deserve dedicated time in your fitness routine.

5 BENEFITS OF STRETCHING

The five biggest benefits of stretching are:

Increasing flexibility to prevent injury

Reducing inflammation

Improving strength

Freedom of movement

Relaxation and mental well-being

#1 INCREASING FLEXIBILITY TO PREVENT INJURY

By increasing flexibility, or engaging in regular flexibility training, we can reduce the risk of muscle imbalances.

When muscle imbalances exist, the body will take the path of least resistance when it comes to performing various movement patterns. This leads to poor posture, which leads to improper movement and form, which increases the risk

for injury.

#2 REDUCING INFLAMMATION

Flexibility training can reduce inflammation! Poor posture and repetitive movements that decrease or antagonize the body’s range of motion are treated by the body as an injury. As a result, the body will try and heal that injury.

Injury induces inflammation in the body, and as a protective mechanism, the body will increase muscle tension to prevent further injury. That increase in muscle tension increases muscle adhesions (commonly known as “knots”), which further decreases the normal movement or elasticity of your muscle.

#3 IMPROVING STRENGTH

Flexibility can improve your strength and performance in physical activities. The goal of flexibility is to have control of your muscles in a full range of motion. So, improving your flexibility is also improving your strength!

Furthermore, if your muscles are sore or stiff you may not be able to engage in explosive movements or perform as well during your training.

#4 FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT

Flexibility allows for freedom of movement to perform everyday activities such as bending over to tie your shoes, lifting groceries, and vacuuming the floor. These are things that can become more difficult as we age, so we want to regularly engage in a stretching routine, so these everyday activities don’t become difficult.

#5 RELAXATION AND RELIEF

Stretching provides relaxation and relief! Which is not only beneficial physically, but mentally as well!