Stretching

Stretching is a form of physical exercise in which a specific skeletal muscle is deliberately elongated, often by abduction from the torso, in order to enhance the muscle’s felt elasticity and reaffirm comfortable muscle tone. Stretching and limbering up is a vital aspect of exercising and should be a part of any exercise program. It offers several benefits, apart from helping you warm up and cool down during your workouts. It’s one of the best ways to help your muscles grow bigger and stronger, too.

If you are a baby boomer and age is catching up, this agility will make your life so much more pleasurable since you do not have stiff muscles and joints unlike your peers who do not stretch. This anti-aging benefit from stretching regularly is indeed priceless. It doesn’t have to involve a huge time commitment, but stretching can end up giving you big results. By stretching regularly, you can have:

• Reduced muscle tension
• Increased range of movement in the joints
• Enhanced muscular coordination
• Increased circulation of the blood to various parts of the body
• Increased energy levels (resulting from increased circulation)

Many people are unaware that there are different types of stretching. They include static, passive, dynamic, ballistic, active isolated, isometric and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation. Get to know each one of them now and decide which type is most appropriate for your individual fitness needs. A consistent stretching program will produce large gains in flexibility and joint movement. Be kind to your muscles and they will be kind to you!