Top Reasons To Add a Stretch to Your Workout

Are you someone who skips the stretch when running or doing cardio? Sometimes it’s hard enough to get motivated to do the exercise in the first place. Then you have to stretch, too?

Here are 4 key reasons to say yes to the stretch before moving forward with your jogging, stairmaster, elliptical, walk, or weight training routine.

Top Reasons To Add a Stretch to Your Workout

Stretching is a major way to relieve stress
You’ve probably headed out for a walk, feeling stressed as you left, and a sense of relief upon return after pounding the pavement for a good, 15 to 30-minute session. The thing is… you’ll feel even more amazing if you add a stretch to your workout. Stretching eases tension from the muscles.

Also, if you’re inclined to stick to the types of exercises where you’re standing, walking, and running, certain stretches can help you relieve stress by providing resistance. Think of the classic runner’s stretch where your hands are planted on the ground and you’re focusing on stretching your calves.

Stretching improves circulation
A good stretch will increase blood flow to your muscles which means you’re oxygenating your body out to the edges. This is so important for cardio-vascular health especially as we age.

Better circulation means your body stays primed to detox waste by products from the muscle tissue. That’s a pretty amazing benefit to enjoying a good stretch.

Stretching keeps you spry and nimble
That means increased range of motion as well as flexibility. You’ll find that as people get into middle age and beyond, they’re likely to complain that simple tasks like bending, lifting, and carrying heavy objects have become more challenging.

The good news is that you can do stretches every day to help improve your range of motion, coordination, and strength at any age. You can also build up strength and flexibility that’s been lost due to a sedentary lifestyle or even post-injury.

Stretching brings increased range of motion
When you make stretching a part of your regular routine, both pre- and post-exercise and on its own, you continue to work on muscle coordination and improve joint health.

If joint pain or stiffness is a problem for you, speak to a physical trainer who can guide you on proper stretching form and techniques. Healthy joints mean you’ll be less prone to pain and injury as you age.

Let’s add some simple stretching everyday to our routines to make sure we stay healthy and nimble. I know I need it!

Are you in?