The importance of muscle stretching on a daily basis as well as before exercise

There are 10 very important components of Fitness; I am going to talk about one of them today that is widely forgotten and can be detrimental to your well being. Flexibility, flexibility is the range of motion with-in a joint along the various planes of motion. One thing that people don't really understand is the importance of stretching and is taken very lightly. The majority of the population think that you only need to stretch when you workout, and of that majority, very few do so. You should stretch various times throughout the day; in the morning before you start your day, during the day at work to release muscle tension, after sitting for a long period of time and when you feel tight.

Stretching is very important for your muscles' health, it brings oxygen and nutrient rich blood to the muscles and relaxes them. Relaxed muscles will less likely tear or spasm. When you exercise you shorten the muscle; stretching elongates the muscle. I always say, "A long muscle is a healthy muscle."

I would like to clear up a question that everyone of my clients ask me: "When do I stretch, before or after my workout?" The answer is simple, BOTH! It is essential to do a warm-up before your workout to decrease chances of injury, increase your core temperature and mobility in the joints. Once the body is warmed up then you should stretch out the muscles that you are going to work out, if not all the muscles in your body. Then do your workout, followed by a cool-down including a full body stretch.

Why should I stretch: Prevent injury (a strong flexible muscle resists stress better); Reduce muscle tension and relax the body; Increase speed and range of motion of the joint; Prevent post exercise muscle soreness; Help with co-ordination by allowing easier movement; Maintain current flexibility level into old age; Develop body awareness and feels good; Improve muscle balance.

In conclusion, if you want to be "Fit" and Healthy you must exercise all aspects of fitness, stretching included.



Deanna Whiteley is an A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer and CrossFit Certified Coach offering free fitness and training advice through her website http://www.crossfitnevada.com.
To read more fitness articles by Deanna visit http://www.articles.crossfitnevada.com