The Benefits of Stretching
by Andrew Mitchell
We've been told hundreds of times: we need to stretch before
doing sports or physical exercises. In school we were all
taught that if we want to prevent getting injured, then we
must stretch before doing any physical activity. Forget the
fact that all top athletes stretch - we just do not have the
motivation 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.
You are recommended to undergo a stretch routine at least
three times a week, stretching in the mornings, after your
muscles have been warmed by a hot shower, or in the
evenings, when your muscles have been warmed naturally
throughout the day.
Despite what professionals say, it is not easy to maintain a
stretching routine - for the simple reason that they are
tedious. It is easy to set up a stretch routine, but
following it is a different story. The best way to make
yourself stick to a routine is by making the exercises fun.
Instead of doing your stretches by yourself, for example, do
them with a friend or relative - mundane things are much
more interesting with company around. Or if there is a news
or television program you watch regularly, do you stretches
in front of the telly. This way, you get your stretches done
and no one can call you a couch-potato.
There has been much controversy recently over the
effectiveness of static stretching (stretching while
stationary): some experts are now arguing that static
stretching makes your muscles weaker. There is no
substantial evidence to support this theory yet, however, so
the best thing to do is just to find the right balance
between the stretches you do. Do not stay in one stretch
position for too long, for instance, and try to include as
much movement into each stretch (i.e. swinging your arms or
legs instead of holding them still). Additionally, try to
have shorter stretch periods throughout the day -avoid the
long sessions.
In this new age of technology, you are constantly bombarded
with new medical 'discoveries' or tips on how to do certain
things, such as stretches. While most of these are useful,
it is important for you to realize what works for you, and
what doesn't. If a stretch does not work, do something
different! Regardless of whether you are a top athlete or
just merely trying to stay healthy, doing stretches
regularly is very important for your future wellbeing. -
15668
Andrew Mitchell, editor of Osteopath Network, writes
articles about, back pain, neck pain and soft tissue
injuries. If you are looking for an
(http://www.osteopath-help.co.uk/osteopaths/cranial-osteopathy/uk/cambridgeshire/cambridge)
Cambridge osteopath or for osteopaths elsewhere in the UK
please visit the (http://www.osteopath-help.co.uk) Osteopath
Network website.
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New Unique Article!
Title: The Benefits of Stretching
Author: Andrew Mitchell
Email: david.ravech@overlandassociates.com
Keywords: back pain,back pain relief,Frozen Shoulder,neck pain,Neck Pain Relief,shoulder pain,Stiff Back,Sciatica,osteopath,osteopathy,health and fitness,alternative medicine,advice
Word Count: 609
Category: Health & Fitness:Alternative Medicine
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