As you age, your muscles tighten and range of motion in the joints can be minimized. This can put a damper on active lifestyles and even hinder day-to-day, normal motions. Tasks that used to be simple, such as zipping up a dress or reaching for a can off of the top shelf, now become extremely difficult. A regular stretching program can help lengthen your muscles and make daily living activities easier. It does not have to involve a huge time commitment, but stretching can end up giving you huge results! Here are just a few of the benefits you can expect from a regular stretching program:
- 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)
How long should you hold each stretch for?
Many fitness professionals will tell you 15-30 seconds and to repeat each stretch 2-4 times. If you are currently suffering from a muscle injury or sprain however, at TMT we have found that when working with a compromised muscle, holding your stretch for only 2 seconds and repeating 4-6 times to be the most effective method in our rehabilitation process. We recommend this method for your daily stretching routine to increase range of motion faster and with out risking an injury.
