5 Benefits of Stretching

Stretching very important for muscle health. There are so many huge guys at the gym I see that don't stretch. They could really improve on their muscle health if they stretched. Here are some of the benefits that come from stretching!

1. Improves Circulation
When you stretch, you actually increase blood flow to your muscles. This increased blood flow will bring more oxygen to your muscles which will allow you to get in more reps than you could if you didn't stretch.

2. Increases Flexibility
Flexibility is the degree that an individual muscle will lengthen. If you aren't flexible, then you are much more susceptible to muscle strain, ligament sprain, and other soft tissue injuries. The most effective way to increase your flexibility is to stretch!

3. Helps Alleviate Pains
The most common of these pains is lower back pain. Having stiff lower back, hamstrings, and hip muscles usually causes lower back pain. If you stretch those muscles, you will alleviate pain.

4. Improves Balance and Coordination
Increased flexibility from stretching will improve balance and coordination. This will lower your risk for falls.

5. Helps Relieve Cramps
A cramp is an over shortening of a muscle which causes pain. Stretching can help relieve these cramps by pulling the muscle that is contracting so much and allowing it to relax.

In conclusion, don't forget to stretch! There are so many benefits to stretching you might as well try it!