EXERCISE
Georgina Bell, Fitness Trainer and Les Mills instructor
O
ne of the most overlooked aspects of exercise is stretching after a strenuous workout. Stretching tired and sore muscles after a workout is essential as it enhances flexibility and reduces muscle tension after a workout. Stretching should be a part of your well-balanced workout routine, given the same importance as strength and cardiovascular training. We always carry out a warm up to loosen joints and then spend 5-10 minutes after each workout class on stretches. The benefits of stretching before a workout are obviously injury prevention. When you stretch after a workout, you benefit from both physiological and psychological effects. Benefits of Post Workout Stretches: Increased Flexibility One of the foremost benefits of stretching is increased and enhanced flexibility of the different muscle groups. It helps constricted and contracted
muscles release back to their more comfortable state and your body will eventually become more flexible, which can help prevent injuries With consistent post -workout stretching, the body becomes more flexible. You will find it easier to bend, stand, squat and do a host of other flexibility related exercises, which would have otherwise not been possible. It has been seen that leg stretches done after a long run increases muscular power and endurance especially for runners. Improved Blood circulation When you indulge in an intense workout, the body pumps blood faster to the heart making it beat at a rapid rate. Stretching allows the body to cool down and also helps the heart beat to return to normalcy.
The release of lactic acid during an intense workout is broken with stretching. This allows muscle recovery and repair. The blood circulation to the muscles is once again resumed with stretching. This also allows the heart rate to come back to its original resting rate. Eliminates Lactic Acid The moment you workout muscles, the body produces lactic acid which makes the muscles fatigued and sore. Hence, it is important to stretch as stretching eliminates the lactic acid that has accumulated inside the body and also relaxes the muscles. Boost your energy If you stretch properly, you’ll likely notice that your energy level is steady and consistent. When the body cools down, the brain releases endorphins, a natural and healthy feel-good chemical. After a good post-workout stretch, you’ll be energized and ready to meet any challenge.
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