Benefits of stretching

Benefits Of Stretching

by Brad Calhoun

What if I told you I had a remedy for your lower back pain? It’s free and healthy, easy, only slightly time consuming, and everyone can do it. In fact in some way shape or form your body tries to do a version of it on its own just about every morning when you wake up, you yawn your arms go over your head, you reach for the ceiling and let out a big yawn as your body STRETCHES itself out. Yes stretching. One very neglected, yet very important aspect of fitness and over all well being. All you need is about 10 to 15 minutes a day (20 to 30 minutes if you so desire to get every kink out) and I guarantee a more pain free day.

There are a few different forms of stretch.  I am only going to discuss the two that I use in training, which are dynamic stretch, and static stretch. Dynamic stretching prepares the body for physical activity through activities like walking lunges that propel the body through a desired range of motion. Pushups, body weight squats, and jumping jacks are other types of dynamic stretch.

At some point in time we have all done a form of static stretch. This is where you stretch and hold. Think back to gym class.  You lean forward grabbing your toes to stretch your hamstrings. Ring a bell? A static stretch should be held for at least 30 seconds. Static stretching is best to do after activity or even a hot shower, while the muscles are warm. Think of your muscle as taffy.  Cold taffy is hard to bend and if you try to bend cold taffy beyond the point it wants to bend, SNAP! Warm taffy you can bend any which way you so choose. Well beyond the point of snapping that is. So warm those muscles up slightly before you static stretch. Use static stretching before bed for a more restful night sleep, and at the beginning of the day for a pain free start to your day.