07 August 14  |  Fitness   |  

The Benefits of Stretching

Written by Jeff Spaeth, Personal Trainer, Licensed Massage Therapist, MA71453.

There are many benefits of stretching including improved flexibility and better range of motion in your joints. Furthermore, having more flexibility can improve your performance in physical activities. It may also decrease your risk of injuries by helping your joints move through their full range of motion, enabling your muscles to work most effectively.

stretching

Stretching can benefit your body in many ways.

Stretching also increases blood flow to your muscles. Before stretching, you should warm up with a light walk, jog or bike ride at a low intensity for 5 to 10 minutes. According to Mayo Clinic, you increase your chances of injury if you stretch cold muscles. You should also stretch after your exercise routine because your muscles are warmed up.

When you’re stretching, focus on the major muscle groups such as your calves, thighs, hips, lower back, neck and shoulders.

Members – join me on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for the Stretch Class from 11am to 12pm in the Aerobics room at the Golden Ocala Fitness Center. Let’s get our stretch on and reach for better health!

For more tips on how to have a healthy lifestyle, check back on our blog!