Why Stretching Should Happen Every Day
By Genevieve Cunningham
Whether you work out or not, stretching should definitely be part of your daily routine. When you first think of stretching, you might picture a super fit yogi doing a back bend. Or maybe you picture a gymnast with their strong and flexible muscles. But the truth is that stretching benefits everyone -- not just the elites. And because it's so easy, there's really no reason to skip it. If you're not stretching your body every day, take a look at these reasons to make it a habit and stick with it.
To Stay Flexible
The most obvious reason to stretch is to maintain flexibility. Flexibility is something that almost all young people have naturally, and all older people lose as the years go by. But why would we need flexibility? We need it way more than most realize. We need it to bend, to exercise, and to play. We need it to move. If we lose flexibility, getting out of bed becomes more difficult. Walking up stairs becomes more difficult. Turning our head becomes more difficult. Considering some simple stretching can help keep these problems away, it seems almost silly to skip it.
To Keep Pain Away
When we don't stretch, our muscles and ligaments get tight. And tight muscles lead to pain. You may notice that pain in the back, neck, and joints increases. You might notice that you are more prone to injury. But if you stretch, these pains may stay away longer, and you lower your risk of injury. Win, win in every direction.
To Keep You Feeling Youthful
If you want to feel young, you definitely have to stretch. Being tight and stiff will only make you feel older faster. Loose muscles and a limber body are generally associated with youth. And if your body feels young, you're going to feel more youthful overall. It's not vain to want to feel young. It's smart! Stretch a little every day as an anti-aging routine for your body.
There really isn't a good reason to stop stretching. It's easy, it's quick, and it feels good. Plus, it's incredibly beneficial to your overall well-being. Add a simple stretching routine to your morning and night, and reap the benefits for years to come.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Riverdale, Utah.