When we think of the way to ensure physical fitness and health, we often think of exercise and regular scheduled checks. We might also think about various types of alternate medication to treat any wounds, sicknesses or abnormalities. Stretching is a crucial element of overall health that is often forgotten before and after exercise and something which has found its way into alternate medical practices. The advantages of stretching are far reaching and can be used to prevent injury if used correctly and when used in conjunction with different types of care, can even help to correct injuries and ailments.
When the body is stretched correctly and both before and after exercise, it can help cut back the possibility of injury. One of the strategies that wounds frequently occur is when a muscle or joint is stiff and all of a sudden propelled into action. When you stretch, the muscle is gradually loosened and prepared for action. Stretching also increases the flow of liquid to the joints which can help in preventing the cartilage from drying out and becoming subject to fissures and injury.
It is important to stretch for ten to 15 minutes prior to beginning activity and to stretch for a few minutes after your cool down in order to ease muscles back into a more stationary state of being. Stretching a cold muscle nonetheless , can also do damage so it’s best to jog in place or take a short walk to heat up the muscle before beginning the stretch. It is very important that the stretch is steady and to avoid bouncing or competing the muscle so as to try and speed the stretching process along. Ensure also to stop overstretching any muscle which has already been strained.
Another benefit to stretching is that it can help to properly align the body and so promote better overall health. Many forms of alternate care like chiropractic care, acupuncture and massage believe that the body should be looked at as a whole and that is the center of the body, the backbone is out of alignment, then all of the parts can be affected. Misalignment in the backbone is typically caused by shortened or stiff muscles that have pulled the joints out of kilter. Regular stretching ensures that those muscles stay pliant and relieves the discs of some of the pressure they experience from daily life activities.
There are numerous different ways to stretch the backbone, including lying flat on the floor and stretching your legs and arms in opposite directions. You can then slowly pull each knee to the chest, stretching out the muscles in your lower back. After releasing the legs back down, you can support the neck and slowly lean in forward, off the ground. If you are at work and cannot utilize the floor, do variances of these stretches while standing up and stretching every few hours.
Taking the few minutes to correctly stretch your body either before exercise or in your daily life can prevent injury and even help to alleviate any existing Problems. Stretching is crucial to overall health and can be done at any fitness level and by even the busiest of people.
