I am also a “why” kind of girl.. I want to know exactly what the benefits of something are and how it will help further my fitness career.
In the past I had always poo poo’d stretching I felt it was boring and mundane.. .until I got injured and couldn’t “walk it off” anymore.
I began to take up a yoga for athletes class and it wasn’t until then that I had the eye-opening moment. After 1 month of yoga (1x per week), I was having limited shoulder pain and I was moving so much more efficiently in CrossFit pain-free!
I also became much more in tune with my body and was now taking a preventative approach through stretching , so that it didn’t take me falling apart to realize how important mobility and stretching is to our body.
Here is a great article from therxreview.com on the 6 wonderful benefits that stretching has on your overall wellness!
Stretching has a calming effect: Being zen is not only for yogis. Savasana can be achieved for all who stretch. As the muscles contract and lengthen the physical body relaxes, which then translates to a more relaxed and calm emotional state. If you’ve done any type of vinyasa yoga you’ll know what I mean, when I say stretching re-energises and relaxes.
Prepares the body for the pain ahead: Stretching allows the body to warm-up as it encourages the flow of blood to all the right places, being the muscles. The muscles then enjoy an oxygen supply and the nutrients needed to keep them going throughout a WOD.
Builds and elongates muscle: If washboard abs, a pair of guns and killer calves are on your wish list then stretching should be part of your CrossFit routine. Stretching allows you to move through the full range of motion when it comes to hitting weights, in effect creating long and full muscles instead of stunted ones. You know the ones I’m talking about, the stocky muscles that eventuate after too many Saturday night pushups.
Reduces the risk of injury: Just like vitamins are seen as preventative medicine for health by decreasing the likelihood of illness, stretching can be thought of as preventative medicine for the body by ensuring it stays mobile, flexible and best of all injury free. A flexible body means that your long muscles are not as susceptible to tearing so you have plenty of room to move if you’re attempting a heavy lift.
Stretching encourages fast recovery: There is a reason as to why we are trained to stretch before and after exercise. Not only does stretching warm the body but it does wonders for recovery and may just prevent the dreaded DOMS (delayed onset muscle syndrome). Exercising creates toxins in the body as muscles are exerted. By stretching the muscles after exercise these toxins move into the bloodstream and out of the muscles, where they can be broken down and eradicated. So in effect, stretching after a tough WOD means that when you’re tying your shoelaces or walking up a set of stairs the next morning you won’t be left feeling like a string puppet who just had their ropes tightened.
Stretching gives you that flexy feeling: One of the by-products of stretching is quite obviously improved flexibility. With an increased range of motion you might find yourself capable of moving into positions otherwise deemed dangerous, not just in the box!
How are you going to incorporate more stretching into your daily routine?
Post in the comments below…
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Happy Friday!
Fit Chic