Stretching every day keeps the muscle aches away! Stretching keeps the muscles flexible, strong, and healthy. We need the flexibility to maintain a range of motion in our joints. Without it, the muscles shorten and become tight, this is when injuries can happen. Flexibility training is so important, yet often overlooked. Numerous studies support the practice of stretching. So let's start by educating ourselves on the importance of incorporating it into our daily practice. Here are 10 reasons why you should be stretching on a regular basis.

Decreased stress

Chronic stress can produce a number of break downs in the body, including increased feelings of anxiety, fatigue and tension. Regularly stretching has been shown to reduce mental tension. When combined with mindful breathing techniques, may also help to decrease anxiety and depression.

Reduced pain and stiffness

Excessive muscular tension can create increased stiffness and muscle cramping throughout the body. Regularly stretching can help to decrease stiffness, reduce pain levels, and may even reduce the frequency and severity of muscle cramps.

Improved health

Regularly stretching exercises and stretching workouts such as  yoga, can help to reduce blood pressure, heart rate and breathing rate. This can counteract the body’s own responses to stress and muscular tension.

Enhanced range of motion

Various types of stretching as well as myofascial releasing using a foam roller, can help to enhance unrestricted movement in the major joints of the body.

Improved Body Posture

Because of poor posture, improper body mechanics, and spending long periods of time seated, muscles in the body can become increasingly tense, tight and less flexible. 

May reduce risk of injury

Stretching may play in helping to reduce the risk for injury. By helping your muscles to become more flexible, they are allowed to bend and move quicker than not. Stretching is often considered an important part of injury prevention, as cold muscles and tendons in the body have a greater likelihood of rupture, strain or sprain.

Enhanced performance

When included as part of a well-rounded fitness routine, regular flexibility training, can help enhance agility, power, speed and muscular strength.

Improved blood flow and circulation

Regular flexibility training can help to improve blood flow and circulation, allowing enhanced transportation of oxygen and nutrient-rich blood throughout the body.

Minimized wear and tear on joints

When muscles become tight and tense, opposing muscles become weak. This puts unnecessary wear and tear on your  joint. Regular stretching helps to ensure the muscles on each side of a joint maintain an equal degree of pull so that the joint is able to move freely and efficiently in all directions.

Improved quality of life

Regularly stretching and increasing range of motion, can improve flexibility at any age, helping to increase longevity and enhance overall quality of life.