Everyone knows that exercise is a part of healthy living, but do you consider a stretching routine part of your exercise program? Or is it an afterthought that gets done if time permits? 

Since no one ever has enough time, you may want to reconsider how you view stretching. One reason to reconsider it is there are so many benefits to a stretching program. Additionally, everyone can learn to stretch, regardless of their age or flexibility.

Six important benefits of stretching

Stretching should be a part of your daily routine, whether you exercise or not. It doesn’t have to involve a huge amount of time, but stretching can end up having huge benefits for you, including:

1. Reduced muscle tension
2. Increased range of movement in the joints
3. Enhanced muscular coordination
4. Increased circulation of the blood to various parts of the body
5. Increased energy levels (resulting from increased circulation)
6. Decreased risk of sport or exercise-related injuries

How can these six benefits of stretching help you? 

An abundance of research reports that there can be many benefits of stretching on a routine basis, even if you are not an avid runner or athlete. The benefits that stretching can offer can affect your daily life in several positive ways, including: 

• Infusing you with optimism — People who are stressed often have contracted muscles. In turn, these muscle contractions give a physiological and emotional feeling of tenseness and overall unease. Stretching can loosen tight muscles and simultaneously increase blood flow. Stretching has also been shown to aid in the release of endorphins, a natural body substance that helps you attain a feeling of joy and serenity. 

• Increasing energy levels — Most people feel a little lethargic around midafternoon. If this describes you, try some stretching at your desk. Often, people who suffer from midafternoon fatigue find that stretching gives them a boost of energy. When we feel lethargic, our muscles tighten; stretching loosens up these muscles. Stand up and stretch to combat your midday fatigue!

• Helping your muscles work better — A stretching routine can increase blood flow to your muscles, which can help:

• Reduce post-exercise soreness
• Increase strength 
• Shorten muscle recovery time
• Improve overall health

• Increasing flexibility — Did you know that stretching improves flexibility and results in an improved range of motion? One study reports that participants who did regular stretches were able to reach 18% further during stretching routines after 10 weeks. Also, stretching can lessen the likelihood of injuries during exercise or other sports activities.

• Improving your posture — When you stretch, you lengthen tight muscles that tend to pull parts of your body away from their intended positions. It’s important to keep your muscles loose, especially in the back and torso. This helps to keep your spine in alignment and to relieve backaches and back pain. When back pain is alleviated, you tend to have better posture.

Rehab Access can help you learn how stretching can benefit you

Need to find a stretching routine that can benefit you? Our therapy specialists at Rehab Access can help you find a stretching program that can reduce your aches and pains. We’ll start by evaluating you with a complimentary screening. Then, our team will build you a personalized therapy plan that includes therapy techniques like stretching and virtual therapy. You can even start using our services without getting a recommendation from your doctor first. 

Contact our team today for more information about our therapy services or to schedule your complimentary screening.