You’re winding down from your exercise and your trainer is starting you with stretching exercises that you always try to skip out on. Little did you know that stretching is one of the most important post-workout activities you can do as you complete your exercise.
Stretching after a strenuous workout is important to relax the muscles, release tension, and promote flexibility. Flexibility is important to achieve a wide range of movement and prevent tightness in the muscles that can lead to injury.
Benefits of Post-Workout Stretching
Prevent soreness and muscle tension by incorporating a stretching routine after an intense workout. While you’ve already done most of the work, stretching only takes a few extra minutes and leaves behind a whole lot of benefits.
1. Eliminates Lactic Acid Build-Up
When we exercise, our body may not produce enough oxygen, thus resulting in a build-up of lactic acid in the body. Although temporary, a build-up of lactic can lead to uncomfortable cramps, fatigue, and nausea.
Stretching exercises can help to release and eliminate lactic acid from the body and prevent the muscle stiffness and soreness that may occur after exercise.
2. Healthy Blood Circulation
Spending a little time stretching your muscles can increase blood flow and boost circulation of oxygenated blood back to your muscles.
Healthy blood circulation provides oxygen to the brain and other organs, in addition to promoting important cell growth.
3. Promotes Balance
Rigorous exercise may lead to muscle tightness and soreness. Stretching the muscles you have worked on can provide relief and relax stiff muscles.
If you feel tightness on a particular side, stretching exercises can reduce this tightness and promote balance on all sides, post-workout.
4. Prevents Injury and Pain
To perform any kind of activity, you need to have a wide range of motion to perform the activity successfully. Stretching can help your muscles relax and prevent injury that can occur due to tightness and tension in the muscles.
Remembering to stretch after exercise can also prevent post-exercise pain and soreness that can occur even 48 hours after your workout has finished.
5. Boosts Flexibility
The more you stretch, the more you promote flexibility of the muscles in your body. You might not feel it now, but flexibility is extremely important to prevent injury and increase overall performance.
Your blood flow will improve and your muscles will be able to achieve a good range of motion that is necessary to carry out day-to-day functions such as carrying a grocery bag up the stairs.
If you have been experiencing prolonged muscle tightness or soreness, make sure you consult your doctor for treatment. Besides stretching, make sure to drink lots of water, as hydration is key to maintaining your overall health and fitness.
The content of this Website is for is for informational purposes only, is general in nature and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and does not constitute professional advice. The information on this Website should not be considered as complete and does not cover all diseases, ailments, physical conditions, or their treatment. You should consult with your physician before beginning any exercise, weight loss, or health care program and/or any of the beauty treatments.
References:
Lactic Acidosis and Exercise: What You Need to Know. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/guide/exercise-and-lactic-acidosis#1
Harvard Health Publishing. (n.d.). The importance of stretching. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-importance-of-stretching
Carlin, N. A. (2017, September 11). Massage & Stretching Benefits After a Workout. Retrieved from https://www.livestrong.com/article/69420-massage-stretching-benefits-after/
Usigan, Y. (2015, December 10). 6 Good Reasons You Need to Stretch. Retrieved from https://www.shape.com/fitness/workouts/6-good-reasons-you-need-stretch
10 Reasons it’s Important to Stretch After a Workout – Pro Post. (2017, September 18). Retrieved from https://www.bidvine.com/articles/stretch-after-workout-pro-post/
