Increase Blood Flow
Stretching may increase your circulation, which can ultimately improve blood flow. Improving overall blood flow has many benefits. This includes less soreness from workouts or even basic daily movement. It also includes the ability to more efficiently deliver nutrients to not only muscles, but organs such as the heart. It can even increase your oxygen levels. Improved blood flow gives you more energy throughout the day and may even help the body fight off disease.
Increase Flexibility
Remaining flexible is a crucial aspect of staying mobile and active for as long as possible. Even younger individuals can lose flexibility if they don’t stretch and stay active on a regular basis. When you stretch regularly, your muscles become more supple and move with greater ease and less pain. Greater flexibility will therefore not only make it easier to move, but when it’s easier it will take less energy. When you make stretching a regular part of your day, you may have more energy and not feel tired so quickly.
Increase Range of Motion
Range of motion is basically how much movement you have around specific joints or certain body parts. The greater the range of motion is for your knees, ankles, shoulders, etc., the more activities you’ll be able to do. Range of motion is particularly important for athletes or even those participating in athletic events for fun.
Reduce Injuries
When your muscles are warmed up correctly, you’ll be less likely to suffer an injury during physical activity. Stretching increases flexibility, which makes muscles more supple. They are then less vulnerable to injury if you move quickly or suddenly change the direction of movement.
Improve Posture
Stretching muscles can help improve posture. Poor posture looks unattractive and may even affect a person’s health. Good posture can reduce back pain and eliminate tension in your neck and shoulders. If you’re sitting and standing correctly, this may even increase lung capacity and improve digestion.
Reduce Stress
Of all the benefits stretching provides, many people may not realize that it can reduce stress. When you’re stressed and tense, your muscles naturally tighten. Gentle stretching can slowly relieve tension throughout your entire body. Each of us have particular areas we carry a lot of tension. For some people, it’s in the neck area. For others it may be in the shoulders or in different areas of the back. A stretch therapist can teach you exercises that target the specific area where you have the greatest tension and stress. There are specific types of stretching, such as static stretching, that may be included in your routine to reduce stress and anxiety.
Resources
https://thrpt.com/physical-therapy-treatments/manual-stretching/
