There is some controversy over the benefits of stretching to prevent exercise injuries. That point aside, there are a number of benefits that make stretching worth considering as a part of your overall physical fitness routine, especially as we age. Here are some of them:
When we are stressed, one thing that happens is that our muscles become tense. Stretching can help relax tense muscles.
As we age, balance can become an issue in our everyday routines. Since stretching improves the range of motion of your joints, it can help you to be more mobile and less prone to injuries from falls.
Stretching can increase your flexibility, which can help you to perform daily tasks more easily.
Since stretching helps increase blood flow, it can improve your circulation.
And, the controversial one, stretching may help prevent injury. This is especially true as we age and our muscles and joints often become tighter. A little stretching helps to improve our range of motion, which may keep us from being injured by pulling a muscle.
And what are some of the rules of stretching?
Warm up first. Hold each stretch for at least 30 seconds.
If you can't hold it that long initially, work your way up to it.
Don't bounce.
Relax and don't hold your breath while you stretch.
Stretching has enough benefits that you should consider making it a part of your daily routine, even on days when you're not planing on exercising. Do it for 10 to 15 minutes every day and you will start to feel the benefits in a very short time.
Online fitness coach Tom Manfredi is the creator of the site fitness-after-50.com. He has a master's degree in exercise physiology and over 20 years of practical exercise experience.
This site is designed with the mature adult in mind. Learn more by going to fitness-after-50.com
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