Why Stretching is Important

Exercise plays a vital role in maintaining our health. However, stretching before and after the workout is an important, but often forgotten, part of exercise. When we fail to stretch, we sometimes suffer injury and/or muscle soreness.

Medical and exercise professionals recommend stretching several times a day. Depending on the type of training you do, there are different choices of stretching exercises with various intensity levels. To find out which works best for you, consult with your general physician or physiotherapist to get a proper prescription.

Another thing to consider when we skip stretching is that we lose its benefits. Here are some reasons why stretching is an important part of any workout:

1. Flexibility – Several athletes include dynamic stretching exercises as part of a warm-up routine. These exercises warm the body by including movements used in the sport, resulting in better performance and endurance.

2. Posture – Prolonged sitting can cause a number of physical problems. Working at a desk for long periods can cause stiff muscles and lower back pain. Take a few minutes to do quick stretching exercises — and your work may benefit as well.

3. Sore muscle prevention – Warm-up exercises before rigorous exercise prepare the body by increasing range of motion and preventing injury caused by overexertion. Cooling down keeps muscle soreness from developing.

4. Body relaxation. Cool down exercises restore heart rate, breathing, and help body temperature return to a normal state. The body is given an opportunity to recover from an intense workout while preparing for the next workout session.

ProMedX Sports Injury and Wellness Centre understands the importance of stretching before and after a workout. Our team of qualified professionals in Thornhill, Ontario can prescribe an exercise program that helps you meet your fitness goals. We also provide a wide range of products and services to treat or relieve sport- and work-related injuries. To schedule an appointment, please call us at (905) 882-7688.