How crucial stretching really is
Muscular development and gaining aerobic fitness are insufficient. Consider flexibility as well. Stretching has advantages.
You might picture gymnasts or runners when you think of stretching. But we all need to stretch in order to keep our freedom and movement. "Many individuals are not aware of how important daily stretching is. It must happen every day, "says David Nolan, a physical therapist at the Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital.
Why stretching is important
Stretching keeps our muscles strong, flexible, and healthy because we need their flexibility to maintain the range of motion in our joints. Without it, the muscles shorten and stiffen. When you need the muscles to work, they become weak and unable to fully contract. You face the risk of suffering from sprained muscles, joint pain, and other problems.
For instance, sitting in a chair all day might tighten the hamstrings in the back of the thigh. The inability to fully extend your leg or straighten your knee may prohibit you from walking as a result. Similar to this, tight muscles run the danger of getting hurt when they are suddenly employed for a strenuous activity that expands them, like playing tennis. Weak muscles that are unable to support the joints might lead to joint injury.
(No MatterYour Age, Body Type Or Physical Condition)
Regular stretching keeps muscles flexible, long, and thin, which, in Nolan's words, keeps activity from "placing too much tension on the muscle itself." A person with balance concerns needs strong muscles to prevent falls.