Stretching – an Easy and Effective Way
to Good Health and Fitness

What is stretching? Stretching is the act of tuning your body’s muscles, tendons, ligaments and limbs to make them active and fit. In our busy yet sedentary lifestyles today, stretching and exercising plays a crucial role in maintaining overall fitness and active life. You may have observed a peculiar habit amongst animals – be it dogs or cats on the street. They tend to stretch their limbs and their entire body now and then. This helps them naturally tune their muscles and thereby stay active.

Here Are 10 Reasons Why You Must Stretch Regularly:

1. Reduces overall stress in body muscles and joints
2. Promotes flexibility
3. Improves blood circulation
4. Reduces pain and stiffness
5. Reduces risk of injury
6. Enhances performance
7. Helps the body prepare itself for exercise
8. Minimizes wear and tear on joints
9. Improves posture
10. Makes an individual feel energetic and active from within

7 tips for safe stretching

While we understand the importance of stretching, here are a few stretching tips that can help enhance your stretching experience.

1. Stretch Safely:
   Stretching is very essential to fitness. However, it is equally important to listen to your own body and make use of protective gear to avoid injuries. Your body is the best guide who can tell you if a stretch feels good or if a stretch is too much that may lead to an injury. Secondly, the use of protective compression gear, such as compression socks, can help reduce the risk of injuries.
2. Do it Regularly:
   Any fitness regime proves to be beneficial only when it is practised regularly. Regular use of stretches helps tone your muscles and keeps your body active and fit.
3. Warm Up First:
   A good warm helps ease the muscles for stretching and exercises. You can warm up with simple exercises such as swinging your arms or marching in your place, or twisting your neck. A moist heat pack may also be beneficial.
4. Pay Attention to Posture and Good Form:
   Whatever you do, pay attention to your posture. A good posture helps ensure that your muscles, bones and joints remain healthy even as you progress in age. And good form ensures that you are flexible when you start stretching and exercising. It prevents the risks of injuries.
5. Be Conscious of Every Stretch:
   When you are conscious of every muscle while stretching it, you will notice the stiffness present in each of them. Sometimes, one side may demand more stretching than another. Some muscle may be more prone to injury and demand caution while stretching. Hence, focus on every muscle which is being stretched. This will improve your stretching experience and create a balance in your muscles over time.
6. Stretch Opposing Muscles:
   The tension usually determines a good stretch it creates in opposing muscles when you stretch yourself. Stretching opposing muscles will help create an equal and opposite force of tension, improving blood flow and circulation, increasing flexibility, reducing pain and stiffness, and preparing your body for more rigorous exercise.
7. Breathe:
   Breathing is the most crucial function that you must pay attention to while stretching and exercising. The right breathing technique can make the stretch wholesome and accurate, while a wrong or careless breathing pattern can invite unwanted injuries. Comfortable breathing is essential.

Undoubtedly, stretching is a very essential fitness regime. When done carefully and systematically, it has significant benefits and enhances one’s overall wellbeing.

Author Bio: 

Rory Donnelly is the R&D Director and passionate entrepreneur, fascinated by the workings of the human body and natural solutions for common health problems. He’s single-minded in his aim to make Copper Defence a brand that’s recognized across the globe, by partnering with global brands to make these high-tech materials easily accessible for everyone. If you’d like to get in touch, email Rory at Rory@copperclothing.com or visit copperclothing.com for copper-infused clothing, pet accessories and more.