10 things you should know about stretching
Studies about the benefits of stretching have had mixed results. Some show that stretching helps. Other studies show that stretching before or after exercise has little to no benefit. Some research shows that stretching doesn't reduce muscle soreness after exercise, and other studies show that static stretching performed immediately before a sprint event may slightly worsen performance. Stretching can help improve flexibility, and, consequently, range of motion about your joints. Better flexibility may: Improve your performance in physical activitiesDecrease your risk of injuriesHelp your joints move through their full range of motionEnable your muscles to work most effectively Stretching also increases blood flow to the muscle. You may learn to enjoy the ritual of stretching before or after hitting the trail, ballet floor or soccer field. Before fitness training, one must give importance to doing warm-up or stretching exercises to prevent accidents or to enhance the ...