Benefits of stretching after workouts
The last thing you want to spend your time on after gym workout
is to stretch & cool down?
A very common situation is that you go to the gym, you’re short on time and then you decide that you will do the strength training part in full and skip the “not-so-important” post-workout stretching. Or that stretching after your workout just isn’t so much essential & it’s not worth your time at all.
I, as a Personal Trainer at the gym, hear all of this very often & I can’t stress enough how much important it is to stretch your muscles consistently after your workouts. So why exactly post-workout stretching is an absolute must?
Boost recovery
During gym workout your muscles experience being in great tension. If they remain tight after a workout, you can have very unpleasant sensations of tightness and stiffness, especially if they are left in shortened state and are not released in long-term. That also increases the risk of injuries as the muscles are not so flexible as they should. Consistent stretching will minimize the risk of injury. It will also help to relieve the muscles by diminishing the lactic acid which is accelerated during your workout. Stretching improves blood flow and oxygen circulation in your muscles so they can recover faster. Post-workout stretch means less soreness, less tightness, less stiffness.
Slowing down mind & body
In order to finish your workout succesfully you must slow down both – your body after the intense workout and also the mind. These two are not separable. Body & mind are so much connected and one can’t feel good without another. If your body will experience stress, it won’t allow your body to fall in relaxation. If your mind experiences stress, it will keep your body under certain tension. To experience relaxation in it’s fullest you must take care of both – your body & your mind. Stretching will allow you to have that extra time for yourself, to connect with yourself, to slow down your breathing, your mindset & experience relieving relaxation after your activity.
Level up flexibility
And your muscles will be so thankful for this one! Body loves to be flexible, your muscle performance will be so much better and you will feel in your body so much better when you are flexible and strong. Increased flexibility is like a breeze of fresh air inside your body! It helps to improve range of motion, muscles can perform better, blood flow & oxygen circulation in body is improved and you can literally sense how amazing it feels! Being flexible just skyrockets the experiences you can enjoy in your body.
Please remember
Stretching is not some optional or separate thing you can add up to your workout. Stretching is a part of well-balanced and effective gym workout routine.
Enjoy your workouts,