5 Reasons to Stretch Every Day

Here at Kennedy Chiropractic, we are committed to helping patients in Wauwatosa, Milwaukee, and surrounding communities live their healthiest lives. By visiting the chiropractor, you are already taking a great step in improving your health, but getting and staying well is a daily practice. 

Stretching is one of the most beneficial things you can do to maintain your health and well being. By incorporating just 10-15 minutes of stretching into your day, you can reap the following benefits:  

Increased overall muscle health. The main benefit of stretching is that it improves the flexibility, strength, and overall health of your muscles. The muscular system has a big job to do; in partnership with the joints, muscles are responsible for executing any movement your body makes, from sitting down to lifting a heavy object to yawning. 

When you don’t take the time to stretch your muscles, they become tight and firm. Since all the muscles in your body are connected to one another, tight muscles in just one section of the body can lead to a diminished range of motion and increased chance of injury. 

By adding a stretching program to your day, you are giving your muscles the opportunity to prepare for the many jobs they have to do. 

Happy joints and improved mobility. Another part of your body that benefits from daily stretching are your joints. Muscles and joints are intimately connected, working together to help you move. For example, when you walk, your hamstring muscle stretches and works with your knee joints to propel you forward. The same thing happens with your calf muscles and ankles. When muscles are tight from lack of stretching, movement becomes much more challenging and can cause muscles to pull too hard on the joints, causing pain and tearing. When you stretch regularly, joints and muscles work together more effectively. 

Better balance and coordination. It’s simple: healthy muscles help you move with ease. This includes not only active movement like walking, running, and bending but also support static movements that require your body to balance itself (think to stand and reaching). Stretching muscles helps them become not only flexible but strong, so they are better able to help you balance. 

Stretching also improves the muscles’ response time and allows the overall system to work together in a healthy way, improving your coordination and range of motion. 

Improved blood circulation. Stretching improves the flow of blood to your muscles, which can reduce soreness, lessen recovery time after a workout, and improve your overall health. Better blood circulation promotes cellular growth and optimizes the functioning of every part of your body. Better blood flow can lead to a more stable blood pressure reading and better resting heart rate, both of which improve heart health. 

Higher energy and reduced stress. Stretching your muscles leads to more than just improved physical health. The improved blood circulation that comes with regular stretching will likely boost your overall energy throughout your day. This can lead to improved brain power, heightened mood, and even better sleep. 

You can also use stretching as a meditation practice and reap the benefits of a quiet mind. The next time you stretch, take the opportunity to close your eyes, relax into your posture, and focus on your breath – all of which can reduce stress and improve your sense of wellbeing. 

Now that you know how beneficial stretching is to your health, you may be wondering how to get started. Always talk to your doctor before making changes to your fitness regime. Once he or she gives you the all-clear to stretch, you can check out the thousands of online resources or meet with a trainer at your local gym or YMCA. 

Looking to take a proactive step for your health? Chiropractic is a great way to maintain and improve flexibility, mobility, balance, and strength for individuals of any age. For questions or to schedule a consultation with an expert chiropractor in Wauwatosa, give Kennedy Chiropractic a call today!