Although some people may believe that stretching is only for athletes like runners or gymnasts, it is actually essential for everyone.
Stretching helps maintain mobility and independence. It’s important to understand that stretching should be done regularly—ideally, it should become a daily habit.
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Why is stretching so important?
Doing stretches keeps the muscles flexible and healthy, as humans need flexibility to maintain a range of motion for the joints.
Without it, the muscles shorten and become tight. Not stretching puts one at risk of joint pain, strains, and muscle damage. If you take a simple scenario, sitting on a chair all day results in tight hamstrings in the back of your thighs and back. This makes it harder to extend your leg or straighten your back, which inhibits walking.
According to Lesley Meyer, who is a physiotherapist & lecturer at the University of Pretoria, “when tight muscles are suddenly called on for a strenuous activity that stretches them, such as playing sports, they may become damaged from suddenly being stretched. Injured muscles may not be strong enough to support the joints, which can lead to joint injury”.
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This is why your body needs adjusting to the posture you’re maintaining permanently.
Regular stretching is essential for maintaining long, lean, flexible muscles. Healthy muscles also help prevent balance issues that can lead to falls.
It is important to focus on the areas that are critical for mobility, such as your calves, your hamstrings, your hip flexors in the pelvis, and your quadriceps. Your upper body also needs some action, from your shoulders, neck, and lower back, which is also beneficial.
If you have reduced mobility, such as strained muscles from poor posture, daily stretches may help improve your condition.
Also see: Why runners get shin splints and how to prevent them
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