Stretching Can Be as Important as Exercise
By Tom Herrin
If you have tried to start an exercise program and gotten an injury, it was probably a pretty miserable experience. Injuries can be nagging and keep you from being active. When you are sidelined by something like that, your outlook can really change. Many times this is an avoidable problem, but it takes proper preparation. Educating ourselves about what we can do to facilitate proper physical activity can be a critical part of our program. Proper stretching can make all the difference between progress and stalemate. We have to take a few preliminary actions, and we will be ready for a little physical stress.
A Mixed Bag Of Opinions
There are different schools of thought about stretching. Some people believe there is very little benefit. Others consider it to be a critical part of any exercise program. I don’t know of any successful conditioning program that does not include some stretching. Sometimes the question is not whether or not to do it but when to do it. There are some beliefs that stretching should be done before exercising. Others believe it is more helpful to stretch after working out. Having coached kids for years, I tend to believe there should be some before and then some after to help prevent tightening up.
Why Stretch?
Some of the reasons for stretching are pretty simple. If done correctly, it can increase the blood flow to the tissues. This allows a true warming up. It also can improve the range of motion. This can help to avoid joint injuries. I have seen kids receive strains and sprains too many times by what appeared to be lack of stretching. Common muscle injuries can be avoided by increasing flexibility through stretching. It is well worthwhile to spend some time doing so.
The Certainties
Stretching will definitely increase blood flow. It will also help muscles to function more efficiently from the start. Incorporating it into an exercise program can allow your heart to begin slowly increasing its work. This is always prefered over sudden changes. The same scenario occurs when stretching after exercise. Your heart is allowed to slowly return to a slower pace. This can help to allow the blood pressure to return to normal without a quick stop. Some people can experience a change in blood pressure that is too fast and results in fainting or feeling ill. I believe that since the jury is still out on the subject, it is better to err on the side of caution. There is strong evidence that stretching can be every bit as important as the exercise itself.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.