4 Times You Should Pause Stretching

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Stretching is highly recommended before exercise, to help rehabilitate after injuries, to train for a sports event and for other sound reasons. But there are certain situations where stretching isn’t the answer—at least anymore, and at least for a while. For professional assistance withstretching in Wichita, KS, come to Stretch Wichita. We help you to stretch safely, but here are four times you should pause stretching in order to be safe.

1. When You Have an Acute Injury

Stretching is great for rehabilitation, but if you’ve just been injured, you shouldn’t be a mini version of Stretch Armstrong. You’ve got to give yourself some time to recoup after an injury. Talk to your healthcare professional to get cleared after an acute injury, then come see us.

2. When Pain is Sharp or Intense

Lots of people love the feeling of a good stretch. Just think of that feeling when you first wake up, raising your arms overhead and feeling that stretch. It’s good, right? But stretching should never cause sharp or intense pain. Discomfort can indicate overstretching or an underlying issue. Listen to your body and stop immediately if you feel any kind of pain.

3. When You’re Overly Fatigued

Fatigued muscles are less stable and more prone to overstretching. If you’re feeling exhausted after a workout or long day of practicing for Dancing With the Stars (you wish, right?), save stretching for another time.

4. If a Joint Feels Unstable

Stretching an unstable joint, such as after a dislocation or ligament tear, can exacerbate the problem. Seek medical advice before attempting any exercises for the affected area.

If in doubt about whether or not to stretch, consult astrength and flexibility coach in Wichita, KS to ensure your routine supports your health. By pausing at the right times, you can keep your body safe.

5 Benefits of Morning Stretching Routines

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One of the best ways to start your morning, both for your mental and physical health, is with a morning stretching routine. At Stretch Wichita, we believe that incorporating morning stretching into your day will help you in several ways, including the following:

1. Improving Your Blood Flow

When you stretch, your body sends more blood to your muscles. This increased blood flow floods them with oxygen, which limbers them up and makes them easier to use. Increased blood flow can also reduce pain in your muscles.

2. Reduce Injury Risk

When you stretch, your muscles and tendons increase flexibility and length. They can also get stronger. Your overall range of motion in your joints increases as well. All of these effects reduce the risk of an injury, so starting your day with stretching is a good idea.

3. Mood Improvement

Stretching causes your body to release endorphins, which are the “feel good” hormones. The more endorphins you have, the better your mood will be. Extra endorphins will also lower your stress levels so that you will start your day off on the right foot.

4. Energy Increase

The boost in endorphins and increased blood flow you get when you stretch can also boost your energy levels. A stretching routine can give you the energy you need to jump into your day with both feet and get much accomplished.

5. Improve Posture and Performance

Finally, when you start the day stretching, you may notice better posture and performance throughout the day. You’ll stand taller, and you will be able to perform physical activities with more ease. This makes you more effective at your work and family responsibilities.

Are you interested in learning the best techniques for your morning stretches? Stretch Wichita, your assisted stretching team, can help you create a plan that works.

What’s the Science Behind Stretching?

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Many people think that stretching is only necessary before some kind of exercise. Worse, some people question the need to stretch at all before working out. Both of these beliefs are wrong. Stretching shouldn’t be considered helpful but not necessary, and it shouldn’t be limited to a precursor to exercise. While you don’t have to be a strength and flexibility professional, it is helpful to understand a little bit about the science behind stretching.

Stretching and Muscle Elongation

Without stretching, the muscles tend to contract or shorten. Along with them, the connective tissue can also contract. This makes it harder and harder to do the things you may enjoy, such as bicycling, playing tennis, or even going on long walks with loved ones. Withstretching in Wichita, KS, the muscles and connective tissue are deliberately elongated. During that process, sensory receptors are activated and send signals to the brain informing it of the body’s position and movements, which enhance the benefits of the stretching motion.

Stretching and Flexibility

As the muscle tissues undergo stretching, flexibility is enhanced, range of motion is increased, and stiffness is reduced. Note that immediately after stretching, there may be some discomfort or soreness, particularly if you haven’t previously stretched regularly. However, the muscles and related tendons and connective tissues will quickly recover. The more you stretch, the more flexible you will become and the more range of motion you’ll gain.

Stretching and Blood Flow

Stretching acts as a catalyst for increased blood flow to the targeted muscles. This increase in circulation facilitates the delivery of oxygen and nutrients in the body while efficiently removing metabolic byproducts. In short, stretching is beneficial for the body’s circulatory system.

Contact us today to learn more about all the benefits that can be gained by professionalstretching in Wichita, KS. No matter what your age, you can improve your body with stretching.