What Our Kinesiologists Say About Stretching
It is one of the most important ways to avoid injury and to promote overall health. Here are some of the reasons everyone, active or not, should stretch:
- improves range of motion and flexibility
- promotes muscle balance
- prepares your body for activity
- helps your body recover from activity
- decreases joint stresses/compression
- minimizes unwanted muscle tightness and knots
- promotes circulation
- develops body awareness
- enhances performance by improving overall speed, balance, endurance, agility, and strength
Stretching Tips from our Experts
- Stretch only what is tight. This helps to reduce the number of stretches you’ll do!
- Ensure your stretching targets the area intended.
- Stretch when warm – after activities or later in the day – to improve range of motion.
- Practice dynamic stretches before your activity, and static stretching after the activity.
- Feel tension in the muscle as you hold the stretch. Avoid pain, overstretching, bouncing or rocking.
- Relax. Stretch in a quiet, comfortable area; on a matted area in the gym; on the warm soft grass; or on the carpet while watching TV.
- Make stretching a habit. Progress is the accumulation of many efforts.
- A kinesiologist can guide your exercise planning and lead you to healthier daily living, faster recovery, less pain, and enhanced sport performance.