Stretching, often overlooked in favor of more dynamic exercise routines, plays a critical role in maintaining and enhancing physical health. Integrating regular stretching into your daily routine can bring a multitude of benefits, from improved flexibility and range of motion to reduced risk of injury and enhanced mental well-being.
Today let's get into some key reasons why stretching is essential for everyone, regardless of age or fitness level.
I realize this blog is about hair, but there is only so much I can write about while waiting for the treatment to work. A big part of treating hair loss, as I've come to realize, it is a "hurry up and wait" type of game. So while we are waiting to see the results of my ideas, let's talk about stretching.
For me, I was firmly in the "I don't need to stretch and will never need to!" camp. I have always been able to get a good workout, run, play sports, do everything I wanted to do without wasting time on that boring old-people stuff... like stretching?
Are you kidding me!?
But as I got older, the reality of our bodies hit me. When you are young, like a new car, you can abuse the crap out of it. But as the miles tick higher, some of the parts you wore out a little too early becomes a problem. A big problem. Unlike a car, we cannot swap out our joints and bones for new ones. So we need to take care of them to get the maximum mileage.
Also, I can never get enough of the car analogies.
Improved Flexibility and Range of Motion
When you get a sinking feeling over the fact that you are now
officially old, then you will understand.
One of the most obvious benefits of stretching is improved flexibility. Regular stretching helps lengthen muscles and increase the range of motion in joints, which can enhance physical performance and reduce the likelihood of injuries. For athletes, this means better performance, while for the general population, it translates to easier movement in daily activities, such as bending, reaching, or even walking.
My range of motion, on the other hand, is abysmal. I always feel like my back is way too rigid for my age, now that stiffness is spreading to my legs. Do you remember how grandpa would grunt when bending down, and do it in an awkwardly stiff manner? That is me right now.
Reduced Risk of Injury
Stretching prepares your muscles for physical activity.
I hurt my lower back in my early 20's. But it was no big deal, I just had to stop for a few minutes and catch my breath. I was showing off at the gym by lifting way heavier than I normally did for an exercise I didn't particularly like. All I did was squat a little too much. I toughed it out then shook it off, it was never a problem again after that.
It wasn't until my 30's that my little injury came back with a vengeance. I bent down to pick up a small bag, and felt that little bite. I was sore in the same spot again, but I shook it off and kept doing what I was doing.
Later that night, I felt the worse pain I have ever felt. Sharp pain shooting down my legs with every step I took, and this time... I could not shake it off. It was the sort of pain that cuts you to your very core, there was nothing else like it.
So make sure you take a little time and get your body ready for the exercise. When muscles are flexible and warmed up, they are less likely to experience strains and sprains. By incorporating a little stretching before exercise and more stretching after, you can significantly reduce the risk of injuries.
Enhanced Circulation
Stretching helps improve blood circulation throughout the body. Better circulation means that muscles receive more oxygen and nutrients, which can help reduce muscle soreness and speed up recovery after workouts. The benefits almost goes hand-in-hand with the overall goal of helping you live a longer and healthier lifestyle.
And improving your well-being saves you money on visits to the doctor and lifelong prescriptions.
Better Posture and Balance
In today's sedentary lifestyle, poor posture is a common issue. Sitting for long periods can lead to tight muscles and imbalances, which affect posture and alignment. Regular stretching, especially of the muscles in the back, shoulders, and chest, can help counteract the effects of prolonged sitting and improve posture. Additionally, stretching helps enhance balance and coordination, which is particularly beneficial for older adults in preventing falls and maintaining independence.
We under estimate how important posture is. We truly do.
You would assume having bad posture means slouching or simply looking a little less confident. But it can affect your spine, at least for me it did. And it hurt! I had lower back problems that I simply could not figure out, plus I noticed that my ribs were sticking out way more than it ever did. After going to doctors, chiropractors, and all that jazz... I realized it was the way I was sitting. Instead of sitting straight, I was arching my back too much. Over time that became how I sat and stood, it just felt the most comfortable.
I was looking in the mirror doing a side profile, and something looked off. My body wasn't straight even though it felt like it was. My lower back arched a little too much and my ribs stuck out too far, so I adjusted myself to straighten things out. Long story short, after fighting through some pain I managed to relearn the correct posturing. By actively trying to engage my core to suck my stomach in, my back pain got significantly better and my ribs don't stick out anymore. I guess I was that way for so long, my abs forgot how to hold everything in line.
So don't dismiss posture as something cosmetic, every now and then you need to look at yourself in the mirror and assess. It might take a few weeks but you can correct any bad habits to look better overall.
Stress Relief and Mental Clarity
Stretching is not just beneficial for the body but also for the mind. Stretching exercises can help reduce stress by relaxing tense muscles and promoting the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals.
Incorporating stretching into a regular routine can lead to improved mental clarity, reduced anxiety, and a greater sense of well-being.Which is a nice added bonus, you can get loosened up both physically and mentally.