This week in one of my kinesiology classes we discussed the importance and necessity of stretching before a work out, or before exercising. this was intriguing to me because like most of the other students in the class did not stretch before exercising. I'm a a relatively fit person, that has not suffered many injuries but I now know the benefits of stretching, and I will never, not stretch again.
The major benefits of stretching, of course in injury prevention; but how does stretching prevent injuries?
When a person begins to stretch they are beginning to lengthen their muscles. this increases blood flow to the muscles, and allows them to become more flexible. the benefit of a flexible muscle is the decreased chance of a tear or strain.
Another Advantage of stretching is the positive effects that it has on ones heart. When you stretch you begin to circulate blood at a faster but gradual rate. When one does not stretch and begin to exercise, the heart is put under an amount of strain that with stretching it would not be put under.
Stretching has another important benefit, it allows for a better work out. Because of the increased blood flow to the muscles and gradual increase in heart rate the body is going to be able to be pushed that much harder, and a greater work out will be achieved. My thought is if you are putting the time and effort into working out you mine as well maximise the potential benefit.
In review, stretching has many benefits including injury prevention, increased heart health, and potential for a maximized work out. For these reasons I am now a pro stretching man. It only adds about ten minutes to your work out, but the benefits are so immense, that you would have to be a real muscle head not to stretch!
Through reading your post I can honestly say I had no idea the massive affects stretching can have on your body. Increasing and bettering blood flow through your body and preventing injury in the way of reducing straining, pulling and even tarring your muscles is an awesome benefit. But increasing blood flow and being able to maximize your workout is even sweeter. With this I will definitely stretch more so I can achieve these health benefits and to just overall benefit my body. But I have a few questions. What types of stretches are the most affective and what are the different types of stretches? Through my kinesiology course I've heard of ballistic and static stretching. But I'm wondering is there a good and a bad stretch. Like can some stretches hurt your muscles because I've talked to people who stretch a lot and people have brought up that some stretches can result in injury. Is this true? But with this knowledge I will start to stretch more and I am looking forward to reading about more helpful tips about staying fit and keeping my body healthy.
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