IMPORTANCE OF STRETCHING
- Angel Kelly
- Aug 26
- 2 min read
Our bodies are almost constantly moving, keeping us going day-to-day. We
go to work, meet with friends and workout… However, what most forget about
their daily life is something important to keep moving in our late years and to help
reduce joint problems. That something is stretching!
Doing functional stretches to help your body’s movement should be a staple in your everyday routine. Harvard Health released a statement on the importance of stretching and the areas to stretch. “With a body full of muscles, the idea of daily stretching may seem overwhelming. It's most important to focus on the body areas needed for mobility: your lower extremities: your calves, your hamstrings, your hip flexors in the pelvis and quadriceps in the front of the thigh. Stretching your shoulders, neck, and lower back is also beneficial. Aim for a program of daily stretches, or at least three or four times per week.”
Many young people have the notation in their mind they don’t need to
stretch yet because they haven’t reached an age where it’s necessary. However, the importance of stretching is for all ages! This is shown in many articles, one
including Community Health Partners states, “You can’t be too young or too old to start stretching. Kids playing sports should be doing it, and adults hoping to retain mobility and joint strength into their golden years can benefit as well. By stretching every day now, you can help set yourself up for future health.”
If this article has not convinced you to stretch everyday yet, you may want to
think about how stretching helps your blood flow. This is also supported by
Community Health Partners,“Some research indicates that stretching can lead to better blood flow and less stiff arteries. That helps your blood deliver oxygen throughout your body. And that may even mean lower blood pressure. That could help protect against certain diseases, like stroke and heart disease, and potentially diabetes too. Because of this, stretching can be a great alternative for people who aren’t able to exercise in other ways.”
Concluding this article, keep in mind how stretching isn't just for the elderly
people or athletes. It’s for all humans to move better in their daily life as well as
keep in good range of motion, blood circulation and improve mobility.
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