Friday, October 31, 2008

How Stretching Benefits the Body

By Pat Lowe

One of the most beneficial forms of exercise is stretching, particularly when done regularly. The reason is that it gives the body many valuable benefits. Experts have been extolling the virtues of stretching exercises for many years now. Sales of DVDs teaching how to do the stretches correctly number in the millions each year.

Knowing the benefits that stretching provides to the body may make people more inclined to stretch on a regular basis. One of the biggest benefits of stretching is the way that it increases the flexibility of the body. When the exercises are done properly, most of the muscles in the body are affected and the tendons holding the muscles to the bones are strengthened.

There is usually a lower chance of suffering muscle sprains and strains if you stretch often. The reason for this is that the body's muscles get used to moving in various directions. In addition, they become resilient enough to handle unexpected movements, which can lead to injury of the muscles or tendons. You can also improve body strength with regular stretching. This is achieved by the continual challenges placed on the muscles.

Because stretching is a low impact exercise, it is appropriate for people of all ages to do. Stretching exercises for seniors and people with limited mobility help them to regain lost strength and rebuild their muscles. The exercises are also appropriate for young children. Many places have classes where parents and their toddlers can stretch together in a group setting.

The exercise that the stretches provide for the body increases the amount of blood flow through the body. This can improve a number of different ailments. Increased blood flow removes wastes from the body more quickly. It also moves oxygen from the lungs to the brain and other organs in larger amounts. The blood also flows through the muscles of the body faster. This increases the strength and the health of the muscles in a dramatic way.

Stretching is among the few exercises that benefits the whole body. Plus, the frequency or length of the exercises doesn't really matter. Doing stretching exercises frequently will provide a bigger benefit and faster results. But even moderate stretching can improve the health of the person doing the exercises and give their body more mobility.

The benefits associated with these low impact exercises are more than enough reason for everyone to stretch on a regular basis. - 15343

About the Author: