You’ve heard that you should stretch around your workouts, but the details of “why” may still elude you. Instead of just going through the motions, learning the “why” and the “how” behind different stretching techniques is incredibly beneficial. It can help you get more out of your stretching sessions and might support physical health.
Get Familiar with Different Kinds of Stretching
Did you know there are different types of stretching exercises? You’re probably most familiar with sitting on the ground and trying to touch your shins or toes. That’s called static stretching. Static stretching is standing or sitting and holding a single position. You can transition from one static stretch to another, but it’s not the same as dynamic stretching.
Dynamic stretching is when you move your body in a way that prepares it for more rigorous movements. Yoga can be a form of dynamic stretching. You do dynamic stretches at the beginning of workouts in a Tracy gym (or a gym near you) and static stretches at the end. Now that you know the different kinds of stretches, let’s get into the “why.”
Warm Up Your Muscles
One of the main reasons people stretch before a workout is to warm up their muscles. A “warm-up” is a dynamic stretch! It can be especially important to warm up if you haven’t been very active before your workout, like if you just woke up or you sit in a chair most of the day.
Improve Flexibility and Range of Motion
Have you ever heard the phrase “strengthen and lengthen?” It’s commonly applied in yoga classes but is the perfect phrase for both static and dynamic stretches. Think of a leather jacket. The more you wear it and the material stretches, the more comfortable and flexible it feels on your body. Leaving that leather jacket in the closet for too long makes it feel stiff and hard to move in.
Stretching may help you feel more flexible, increase your range of motion, and enhance your performance at one of the state-of-the-art gyms in Napa. After warming up your muscles, you’ll have the right mindset to keep your body moving.
Reduce Risk of Injury
Warm muscles, flexibility, and a wider range of motion are essential to reducing the risk of injury. If you’ve ever done a cartwheel without stretching or jogging in place beforehand, you know how it feels when your body is unprepared for certain movements—it’s uncomfortable. You can potentially avoid both small and big injuries by “limbering up.”
Increase Blood Flow
Increasing your blood flow is good for cardiovascular health. You increase your blood flow while you work out, but dynamic stretches are a fantastic way to start the process and ease your body into movement. Static stretches may also support blood flow and circulation after a workout, including a downward-facing dog and static reverse lunge.
Stretching is crucial to a good fitness practice. If improving your workouts and helping your body feel good is a priority, you must add stretching to your regular workout routines. You can do quick, five to ten-minute stretching sessions before and after your everyday workouts. It will warm up your muscles and enhance your overall performance at gyms Vacaville residents visit, as well as health clubs in Bakersfield, Stockton, or a location near you!
About In-Shape Health Clubs
It’s time to kick things into gear with In-Shape Health Clubs. Whether you swim laps at the pool, join a Les Mills BODYCOMBAT™ studio fitness class, or hit a new PR in the weight room, In-Shape is here to support your fitness goals with premium locations across California. The state-of-the-art gyms in Bakersfield, Brentwood, Salinas, and other cities offer something for everyone and are perfect for families. From the Kid Zone to Silver Sneakers® classes and everything in-between, In-Shape provides endless opportunities for motivation and inspiration. If you’re ready to take your fitness routine to the next level and achieve your goals, become an In-Shape member today.
Stretch and flex your muscles at In-Shape Health Clubs, and visit https://www.inshape.com/
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