Are you aware that stretching is just as important to your overall health as eating healthier. This can help decrease the risk of injuries, improve your posture, and make everyday activities easier. Companies like The Muvement Pros can help you!
Why does stretching matter?
Stretching is significant for a plethora of reasons. First, it aids in increasing blood flow throughout your body. This increased blood circulation can help to reduce the risk of injuries and improve your overall posture. Additionally, stretching can help improve your range of motion and make daily activities easier. Lastly, stretching is a wonderful way to relax your muscles and decrease stress. Stretching and flexibility classes can be a terrific way to unwind after stressful day.
Static and Dynamic Stretches
There are two different types of stretches: static and dynamic. Stretches come in two varieties: static and dynamic. Static stretches are ones in which you maintain a position for a long duration, often 15 to 30 seconds. Walking lunges or arm circles are just some examples of dynamic stretches where you continually move across a range of motion. Stretching trainings frequently include a combination of static and dynamic stretches, which is important if you want to reap the greatest benefits from your regimen. Because they serve to lengthen your muscles and increase flexibility, static stretches are vital. Dynamic stretches are critical since they aid in warming up and preparing your muscles for activity. The ideal stretching to do is dynamic stretching before exercise and static stretching following exercise. However, static stretches are typically done at the beginning of flexibility training classes to help you unwind and concentrate on your breathing.
Here are some examples of static and dynamic stretches:
Static Stretches:
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Quadriceps stretch: Standing with one leg behind you, grab your ankle and pull it towards your glutes. Hold for 15-30 seconds.
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Hamstring stretch: Lying on your back, extend one leg straight up and hold onto your thigh or ankle. Pull your leg towards you until you feel a stretch in the back of your leg. Hold for 15-30 seconds.
Dynamic Stretches:
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Walking lunges: Start by standing with your feet together. Step forward with one leg and lower your body until your front thigh is parallel to the ground and your back knee is close to the ground. Return to the starting position and repeat with the other leg.
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Arm circles: Start by standing with your arms extended out to the sides at shoulder level. Make small circles forward for 30 seconds, then switch directions and circle backwards for 30 seconds.
Getting Started
Starting softly and progressively increasing the intensity of your stretches as time continues is critical if you are new to stretching. It is also important not to push yourself past your limits. Stop stretching if you “feel” or “start feeling” pain and contact a doctor or physical therapist.
Here are some pointers to get you going:
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Find a comfortable place to stretch. A mat or towel on the floor will work just fine.
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Start with static stretches and hold each stretch for 15-30 seconds.
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As you start to become more flexible, you can add dynamic stretches to your routine.
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Stretch every day for the best results!
PNF Stretching
PNF (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation) stretching is a type of stretch that uses both the stretch reflex and the Golgi tendon reflex to achieve a greater range of motion. PNF stretching is usually performed with a partner who applies pressure on the targeted muscle area. Afterward, the person quickly contracts the muscle group before relaxing. This process is repeated a couple times to help with increasing flexibility. If you lack a partner who is an expert with PNF Stretching, consider employing a stretching professional, such as the experts at The Muvement Pros! To help increase flexibility, this technique is performed several times. PNF stretching has a lot of advantages, such as improved circulation, a wider range of motion, and a lower chance of injury. Stretching with PNF is a complex technique that should only be used under the supervision of a trained expert.
Because why not give stretching a try now that you have a little more knowledge about it? Stretching for just a few minutes each day can have a huge impact on your general health and wellness!