Congratulations! You have committed to being more active. Do you know there is even more you can do? Stretching keeps the muscles flexible, strong and healthy. Perhaps you have thought that only runners or professional athletes need to stretch. Not true, stretching is advantageous to everyone.
The flexibility regular stretching can develop helps maintain a range of motion in the joints. Without flexibility, the muscles can shorten and become tight. That tightness can cause problems when you decide to be active and can put you at risk for pain, strains and muscle damage.
For the best results, add stretching to your regular workout. One time of stretching will not magically give you more flexibility, however if you participate in stretches over time you will notice a difference. It will take several weeks or maybe even months before you may feel the results. However, the improved flexibility will be worth the time.
You should not stretch before your muscles are warmed up. Research has shown that stretching muscles before they are warmed up can actually hurt them. When you stretch try to hold each one for 30 seconds. Do not bounce, which can cause injury. Remember to take deep breaths also. You will feel tension during a stretch, but do not push so far that you feel any pain.
A regular stretching program can help you improve your mobility and overall health of your body.
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for some examples of simple stretches.