Let me start by saying that when I buy a piece of home fitness equipment to target a specific group of muscles it’s nice. I don’t have to do the research and understand the science behind it because I trust that someone within the company has already done that work. There’s usually a quick how to guide and ta-da you’re on your way to working out.
Now let me add that when that piece of home equipment can be used in multiple ways to get the maximum benefits and comes with clear, easy to follow directions: I FEEL LIKE I’VE HIT THE JACKPOT!!
This month (March) Matt Morton the Stealth trainer has given us a monthly challenge that incorporates a daily stretch move into our day along with playing one of the Stealth games for 1 minute. We often get so busy and tense in our daily day-to-day lives that we forget to take the time to stretch and the benefits from doing so.
Why is stretching important?
1. Helps prevent injury. If you’re stretching and increasing the range in which a muscle can move, the likelihood of injuring it decreases. Stretching before physical activity specifically helps prevent injury by bringing blood flow to the muscles, warming them up, and decreasing any tightness they might have to prevent a strain or a tear.
2. Improves flexibility, range of motion and posture. Flexibility is the ability of a joint or series of joints to move through an unrestricted, pain free range of motion. Regular stretching can help increase your flexibility, which is crucial for your overall health. Not only can improved flexibility help you to perform everyday activities with relative ease, but it can also help delay the reduced mobility that can come with aging.
Stretching can improve range of motion and prevents loss of range of motion. As we age, our joints lose range of motion. We can counteract this by stretching regularly. Even if range of motion in some joints is limited, stretching can help to improve this.
Tight muscles can cause poor posture. Stretches relieving tension from your back, will help you be able to stand and sit up straight again.
3. Increases blood flow. This improves your circulation. Your blood vessels will be able to work more efficiently, which will bring more oxygen to the muscles. You’ll be less likely to experience muscle soreness after a workout.
Some of my favorite Stealth stretches that we are doing over at Stealth Nation this month for the Spring Into Fitness Challenge are Standing Toe Reaches. Lunge and Twists and Pike Holds.
There are still 11 days left in March. If you haven’t joined in on this challenge you don’t know what you’re missing out on. Grab your Stealth; get ready 3,2, 1...stretch! I’ll see you in there.
~Jennifer S.