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4 Surprising Facts on Stretching
Share4 surprising facts on stretching
What are the benefits of stretching. Here are 4 surprising factsStretching may seem like a bit of a process but stretching the right way and at the right time can actually make a huge difference to your overall health.
Here are five surprising but important facts about stretching:
Stretching is for more than just athletes.
Stretching increases blood flow, boosts oxygen levels and helps deliver nutrients to your muscles. It also removes metabolic waste such as carbon dioxide, ammonia and uric acid. In athletes, stretching helps to stay loose, supple and avoid injuries, but it can also benefit others in ways we might not have known.You need to stretch more than just muscles and tendons.
Before exercising, it’s important that you stretch your hamstrings, iliotibial band, quads and calves – but don’t forget the IT band.Stretching a tendon is important. Your muscle fibres are very pliable. It might amaze you to know that a muscle can stretch up to one and a half times its original length.
But tendons aren’t nearly as flexible. Stretching a tendon just 4 percent beyond its resting shape can cause permanent damage. It’s important to stretch them slowly and consistently because if tendons are stretched too quickly or in unexpected directions, permanent damage could occur.
You should warm up first, then stretch.
It is better to warm up before you stretch before you partake in any type of exercise.Jogging at a slow pace or spending a few minutes on an exercise bike will increase blood flow to the muscles and allow you to get more out of your stretch. This could all be built as extra time into your workout routine. Spend five minutes or so warming up, on your stretching, set aside about 5 to 10 minutes and then you can begin your workout.
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