Improve mobility with daily stretching

Do you feel tight and stiff in your lower back? It’s real easy to feel tight with all the sitting we do every day for work. You can change that and improve mobility with daily stretching.

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Stretching for 5-10 minutes a day can offer significant benefits that improve workouts and overall health.

One of the easy things about stretching is that it doesn’t really require equipment. You can use a yoga mat or sit on the floor.

I’m not necessarily talking about mindless stretching. Stretching can involve the entire body. If done right, stretching daily can be integrated into your daily life and into the training you are already doing.

5 reasons to stretch daily and improve flexibility

Better flexibility

Stretching is the most effective way to improve flexibility. As you get older, muscles shorten and tighten, reducing the range of motion. Flexibility also supports fluid motion during athletic performance.

Good for circulation

Greater blood circulation helps promote cell growth and organ function. Lengthening and loosening the muscles helps dramatically with circulation. Not only will this help reduce post-workout soreness and shorten recovery time, but it will also improve overall health.

Increases range of motion

An increased range of motion in the joints has many benefits and stretching is the best way to achieve this. It improves balance, reducing the risk of injury and enhancing athletic performance. It also allows for more complete workouts, whether it be swimming, jogging, or lifting, an increased range of motion will allow for better form and complete muscle recruitment.

Eliminates lactic acid

Muscle fatigue and soreness occur due to the lactic acid produced by the body when you start exercising. In fact, the lactic acid starts to build up from the moment you begin the workout. Stretching helps to get rid of it and relaxes the muscles.

Reduced stress

Stretching reduces stress through loosening the muscles and relieving built-up tension. It also releases endorphins in the brain, which can cause a feeling of well-being and calm. This is especially true for the muscles around your neck and shoulders – stretch these out in the evening for a good night’s sleep.

You have all seen people with tight, hunched-up postures. This comes from a lack of stretching and normally overdoing it with weight training or sitting at desks hunched over all day. Be sure to give yourself a good stretch, breathing into the muscle you’re stretching to further increase the stretch.

How often are you stretching?