Last week’s Journal Watch lincluded an article from Medscape on the importance of stretching. It turns out that stretching is associated with a lower risk for all-cause mortality among American adults.
Stretching benefits including: :
• Strength: Since you're applying tension to muscles and connective tissues it helps to strengthen muscles
• Reduced Arterial Stiffness: If your body doesn't move well, it's not unreasonable to assume your blood doesn't flow well. That is indeed the case: Poor flexibility is associated with arterial stiffness. Stretching is associated not only with improved arterial function but also with reductions in resting heart rate and blood pressure and increased vasodilation.
• Improved Performance: It helps to improve your sport as well as reduce risk of injury.
• Fewer Injuries: Flexibility reduces injuries by improving balance.
How much stretching is needed for benefits? Consistency is more important than volume. A little bit every day goes a long way. Keep in mind that all parts of our body are connected. Lower-body stretches should improve upper-body flexibility, at least temporarily. Shoulder stretches can also have an immediate effect on hip mobility.
Before starting any new exercise programs, consult with your medical provider. Below are some stretching exercises to help get you started.
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