What Is The Importance Of Stretching?

By Author: Stephen Colbert
Total Articles: 8
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Many people in the world of fitness today still don't recognize the importance of stretching. They are so eager to do some ‘real exercise' that they simply neglect the stretching exercises. What these people don't realize is that they are not utilizing their exercise routines to full effect. Some have even been taught that stretching is a feminine thing to do. However, the reality is that stretching is as important as the actual exercises themselves. In this article we will establish the importance of stretching and dispel the myth that ‘stretching is for women'.

In an attempt to understand the importance of stretching, try to imagine your body as being like a highly tuned sports car with a supremely complicated engine inside. Now, before you take this car out for a race, you are going to have to fine tune the engine and check for any faults. You won't just go hell for leather into the race for fear of something going wrong. You will always see drivers take their cars out for warm up laps. This is to ensure everything is in perfect working condition and ready for the vigorous race ahead.

So what does ...
... that have to do with the importance of stretching? So your body is the car and your exercise routine is the race. If you don't warm up and don't understand the importance of stretching, you might end up injuring yourself once you start putting all that strain on your body. People often strain or tear soft tissue like tendons and muscles because of a lack of preparation before exercise. The reason for these injuries is because the muscles aren't ready to be put under heavy stress that comes from intense training. Learning the importance of stretching can be the first step to avoiding unnecessary injuries.

There are individuals who are constantly performing at 80% capacity because they are always carrying an injury like a tight hamstring or strained calf. Most of the time, this is down to a lack of conditioning, and not stretching enough is a big part of this. Even those who do stretch sometimes don't stretch for long enough. Maybe they want to spend more time breaking a sweat. Stretching should not be rushed, take your time and make sure your body is suitably prepared for the workout ahead. Be sure that you value the importance of stretching as being part of your overall routine.

After you have finished your exercising, you will need to cool down. This involves relaxing the muscles after the workout and getting the blood flowing again. The importance of stretching doesn't just mean fewer injuries during the workout, but you will also feel less stiffness the next day. Sometimes we wake after exercising the day before all stiff and sore, a good cool down eradicates this feeling. So the next time you get ready for your exercise routine, add in an extra 15 minutes for stretching and see if you notice a difference. You too will realize the importance of stretching when you are done.
For more information about stretching exercises Please visit
www.TheStretchingHandbook.com