Stretching ‑ all the facts

Stretching helps to:

• Improve your flexibility
• Reduce the risk of injury by preparing your muscles for work
• Increases the blood and nutrient supply to your muscles, reducing muscle soreness
• Assists with correcting your posture
• It calms your mind
• Stretching allows you to release built up tension, particularly after a long, stressful day

We have listed a few simple tips on how to make the most out of your stretching.

1)      Try to incorporate one long stretching session into your weekly workout routine. Whether that be a Yoga or Pilates class, or simply just taking 40 minutes at the end of the day to sit on your yoga mat at home.

2)      Schedule your stretching time for just before you go to bed. This helps to release any tension that’s gathered throughout the day so that you have a deep, regenerative sleep.

3)      If you are short on time to stretch after your workout, focus on the muscles that need it the most. Focus on one area of your body each day or if you are aware that your muscles are tight, give those ones a little more attention.

4)      Warm your muscles up before you stretch by stimulating the muscles that will be used in your main exercise. You should never stretch cold muscles.