Why Your Body Really Needs to Stretch Every Day
By Genevieve Cunningham
When we're young, stretching is something we do all the time without thinking about it. We run around and play. We do the splits and swing from playground equipment. Our bodies are always being stretched and challenged. As we get older, we may continue to work out for better health and fitness, but we don't always keep our stretching routine. It's like we can't take the time to properly warm up or we feel like it's unnecessary. But should we be skipping this part of our routine? No! If you're guilty of skipping your stretching, take a look at why it should really be a part of your everyday life from here on out.
For Pain Relief
When we don't stretch regularly, we become inflexible. And inflexibility brings tension to your body as well as pain. Have you ever noticed pain in the joints? Soreness in the muscles? This could be happening because your body is just too tight! The more regularly you stretch, the more these areas will regain their flexibility, and the less pain you're likely to experience on a daily basis.
For Flexibility
We've mentioned that more stretching can bring back flexibility, but why does this matter? Flexibility is what enables us to remain active. It helps us touch our toes. It helps us squat to the ground and get back up. It helps us climb in and out of cars. We need to be flexible so that we can partake in life, plain and simple. If you're not flexible, your activity level, your body, and your life will suffer.
For Circulation
When we stretch, we're calling out to our body to flood the area with oxygen containing red blood cells. Our muscles scream: Feed me! This can improve circulation in the body as a whole, promote healing in any injured spots, and encourage good health in each part of our body. Circulation is really important for good health. Anything that we can do to promote healthy circulation is good! Stretch so that your blood will keep moving and feeding your body, and so that you can feel your best too.
If you're not stretching, it's time. It's time to release tension and build strength. And this habit is way too easy to skip! Stretch first thing in the morning, before your workout, and before bed. You may find that improving your health is not the only benefit, and that you begin to really feel better than ever as well. Give this a try, and watch your body and health improve like never before.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Winter Springs, Fla.