Why is stretching important before and after exercise?

Are you a fitness freak? Do you go to a gym and start working out directly? If you do so then you are sailing on the wrong boat. Exercise is a part of many people’s daily routine. Early morning walks or doing simple workouts in a park with friends keep everyone healthy as well as happy and active the entire day. Many people are not aware of the fact that stretching before doing any kind of workout is very important. Since not all are familiar with the gym techniques people most of the time wonder whether stretching is actually important or not.

When you workout for more than 10 minutes your body muscles start getting tired and since more strain starts falling on them an unusual pain arises. This pain later gives rise to unwanted injuries. Pre-workout stretches are more important as the muscles need time and warmth to first relax. If an exercise is directly started then there are chances of getting muscle cramps. Stretching includes mind cleansing and pain prevention of the muscles. It releases the muscles before working out to ensure injury free workout sessions.

REASONS FOR STRETCHING BEFORE AND AFTER WORKOUT:

Muscle tension gets reduced and the relaxation of the muscles happens effectively.
Since muscles are already relaxed and free, the workouts will be at an ease and with a greater speed.
Once the muscles are free and relaxed muscle strains won’t happen.
Stretching also prevents joint strains.
Doing back stretching reduces the risk of getting back aches and decreases the chances of back problems.
The main thing is the blood circulation rate. Stretching improves blood circulation of the whole body.

WHAT ALL STRETCHING EXERCISES SHOULD BE DONE?

Always start your exercise with neck stretches.
Stretch your shoulders too.
Do a little jogging. It should be a slow one.
Kick the air with your legs. This helps in thighs release.
Stretch your arms wide open and move it to and fro.
Bend down and get up again and continue this for a little longer. This reduces belly fats as well.

Stretching keeps the mind at peace and harmonises it. When you keep working out for a longer time your body will be drained and prone to injury but stretching slowly relaxes the body and the body muscles. Stretching the tired muscles gives better strength to the body and helps the muscles to adjust properly. If you are having any injuries then avoid stretching and working out. Workout can cause more damage to the cells and muscles. Mild exercises can be done though. If legs are injured, hand exercise and vice versa can be done if you are a gym freak or else avoid working out for a few weeks.