Importance of Stretching
Stretching regularly is just as important as exercising. Most people often overlook stretching in their fitness regime, not knowing that stretching has major benefits!
Stretching improves flexibility in your body and assists correcting posture by lengthening tight muscles that pull away from intended positions. Risk of injury is now decreased by preparing muscles before exercise or strenuous activity. It is also great for our mental wellness, stretching for a few minutes a day can calm the mind and allow your body an
opportunity to recharge.
In my experience stretching AFTER your workout is good because your muscles are best stretched when they are warm. (This is up for debate, as many trainers may beg to differ.) A good pre-warmup routine targeting the muscles you will be working on is a great way to prepare your body for the actual workout and after your muscles will be warm for the stretch.
A yoga class is a wonderful opportunity to spend 45-60 minutes stretching and releasing any physical and mental tension one may have after a long day and is an amazing form of exercise you can do a few times a week.
*Photo courtesy of Simplified and Stable*
