The Importance of Stretching – The Doctors at South Tampa Immediate Care Explain
If you’re like most people, you probably focus your fitness efforts on exercise. In terms of health and wellness, though, stretching is just as important as cardiovascular workouts and strength training. By preparing the body to endure the stress of exercise, stretching effectively loosens the muscles and readies them for impact.
Regular stretching can provide some important benefits, including:
- Enhanced flexibility and range of motion
- Improved posture (stretching can lengthen tight muscles)
- Reduced risk of activity-based injury
- Decreased muscle stiffness through increased circulation of blood and nutrients
- A mental break
- A sense of calm
- Increased energy
In addition, if you have a desk job that requires you to remain in the same position all day, you should take a stretch break every hour to reverse that posture and help alleviate lower back pain. You can even do the following static Cat-Camel stretch right at your desk: Lace your fingers together and turn your palms outward, reach yours arms up as far as you can, curve your back and shoulders forward, hold for ten seconds, release, clasp your hands behind your back, raise your arms as far as you can, roll your shoulders back, hold for ten seconds, and release.
To keep your body flexible, the American College of Sports Medicine recommends stretching each major muscle group at least twice a week. Make stretching an integral part of your fitness regimen. You can stretch anytime, anywhere, and in exchange for a small investment of time, you can keep your muscles healthy and enhance your overall well-being.
If you have questions or would like to see a doctor, you can contact or visit South Tampa Immediate Care. Our walk-in clinic is conveniently located on South Howard Avenue in Tampa, FL, and we welcome patients from Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and the surrounding Florida areas.
