{"id":58148,"date":"2023-02-21T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-02-20T23:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/evofitness.ch\/blog\/uncategorized\/stretching\/"},"modified":"2023-02-21T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2023-02-20T23:00:00","slug":"stretching","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/evofitness.ch\/en\/blog\/discover\/stretching\/","title":{"rendered":"6 reasons why you should be stretching"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Want to prevent slouching? Better start stretching!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

That, of course, is not the only benefit that regular stretching delivers. As well as your posture, stretching helps your body and mind in a multitude of ways<\/strong>. Let\u2019s explore a few of them, and get you started with your own stretching routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

6 BENEFITS OF STRETCHING<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1 – Stretch-ability leads to flexibility + mobility<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Well-stretched muscles can reach their full range of motion with more ease and less chance of injury<\/strong>. Increasing your flexibility and mobility helps with everyday functional activities, such as reaching down to pick up a pen, picking up your pet, or carrying heavy shopping bags.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

2 – Better balance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

With increased range of motion in your joints comes better balance. Keeping your balance system healthy with consistent stretching will allow you to move freely and confidently<\/strong>, improving everything from your athletic performance to staying upright on a moving train without falling onto a stranger\u2019s lap (we\u2019ve all been there).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

3 – Boosts your athletic power<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

From sprinting to jumping, studies show<\/a> that stretching also improves performance in physical activities<\/strong>. For example, having your full range of motion to kick a football or serve in tennis is evidently more effective than restricted movements with stiff muscles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

4 – Releases stress<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A good stretch series not only provides relief for tight, tired muscles, it also works on a deeper level. Breathing fully through each move (exhaling into deeper stretches) will relax your body and mind by putting your nervous system into a parasympathetic state<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"Instagram<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

5 – More blood flow to your muscles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Stretching is a simple way to increase blood flow, boost oxygen levels, deliver nutrients to muscles, and remove metabolic waste <\/strong>(looking at you: carbon dioxide, ammonia, and uric acid). If better circulation doesn\u2019t make you want to limber up, nothing will.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

6 – Reduces pain and injuries<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Tight muscles can lead to strained muscles. Stretching helps heal and prevent back pain, tension headaches, musculoskeletal aches, DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness), and so much more<\/strong>. Just ask a physiotherapist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

WHERE DO I START WITH STRETCHING?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With a body full of muscles, where do we begin? Start here, start today \u2014 this 6-stretch flow, at least 3 or 4 times per week can help you reap the rewards above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

THE EVO 5-STRETCH FLOW<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1 – TWISTING LOW BACK STRETCH<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  • Lie facing up, with legs extended and arms out to the sides.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Inhale & lift your left leg, placing your right hand on the outside of it just above your knee.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Exhale as you bring the left leg across your body to the right.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Inhale and release.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Hold each position for 1-3 minutes per side, then switch sides and repeat.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n