If I Said I Was Flexible, That Would Be A Stretch
Stretching has never been my strong suit…just ask my hip (non)flexors. I always say I’m going to stretch and do yoga but I rarely do. The only time I even think of stretching is when I am sore…low back, hips, quads…then I do a few stretches (which feels great btw) and call it a day.
This post is a reminder to myself and all of you of the benefits of stretching. We probably all know why we should do certain things and yet we still don’t. Stretching is one of those things.
5 Benefits
- Increased flexibility and range of motion(ROM). I figured I’d start with the obvious but it is one of the more important benefits especially as we age. Flexibility helps us stay young and keeping up with kids and grandkids.
- Better sports performance. No matter what your sport of choice is, stretching will help you with flexibilty and ROM as stated above, which in turn will help you perform better in your chosen sport.
- Prevents injuries and muscle soreness. Tense, tight muscles are at greater risk for injury, and none of us want to be injured. As I mentioned earlier, I tend to stretch when I’m already sore. but on occasion I’ll stretch after a tough workout knowing it with help prevent soreness. So why don’t I stretch after every workout? I don’t know. I want to say laziness but I’m really not lazy. I suppose it’s more of a time issue. Time to make time. 😉
- Improves posture. I think of yoga when I want to improve my posture because many yoga poses focus on stretching and elongating the spine. I have scoliosis, so I worry about my posture, especially as I age. I need to be doing more yoga!
- Stress relief. There’s nothing like doing a series of stretches to make you slow down and breathe. As runners we tend to run to relieve stress but sometmes slowing down is a better option.
For some easy and essential stretches for runners go here.
Do you stretch regularly? Are you a flexible runner? (or is that an oxymoron?)
I’m linking with Kim and Zenaida for Tuesday Topics. Show them some love and check out some other blogs too.
Thanks for reading!
Keep running!
Denise
19 COMMENTS
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Deborah Brooks | 2nd Jul 19
I can also get quite stiff myself. I go through stages of being much better with stretching. I could use a little more myself right now
Denise | 2nd Jul 19
The older I get, the stiffer I get.
Chocolaterunsjudy | 2nd Jul 19
I do stretch regularly. I’m a somewhat flexible person, but man, running definitely does tighten you up! I definitely think all runners can benefit from stretching.
Denise | 2nd Jul 19
It seems like flexible people like to stretch. So are you flexible because you stretch or you stretch because you’re flexible? A little of both I presume. 🙂
Chocolaterunsjudy | 3rd Jul 19
Interesting observation. I really do think that stretching is important for everyone, but of course we do the things that reward us. OTOH, flexible people have more of a tendency towards injury, so there’s that.
Denise | 5th Jul 19
Very true!
Karen Seal | 2nd Jul 19
This is totally something I need to do more often. Thanks for the reminder!!
Denise | 2nd Jul 19
Me too! You’re welcome! Thanks for reading and leaving a comment.
kookyrunner | 2nd Jul 19
I definitely have to work on my flexibility but I’ve been much better about stretching post-workout. Now I need to focus more on doing dynamic stretching before my runs.
Denise | 2nd Jul 19
I think we all have to work on our flexibility, tight muscles come with the territory. I’ll have to look up dynamic stretching, that’s a new term for me.
Wendy | 2nd Jul 19
I do yoga a couple times per week and it definitely pays off!
Denise | 2nd Jul 19
How do you find the time? Maybe I should try putting aside time after work because I won’t get anything done before work at 0600.
Kim at Running on the Fly | 2nd Jul 19
I stretch more than I used to, but still probably not enough. It does feel SO GOOD, though! You hit it on the head…its
usually a time issue…
Denise | 5th Jul 19
I’m finding the older I get the more I need to make the time.
Zenaida Arroyo | 3rd Jul 19
I rarely stretch but know I should definitely do it. I do enjoy watching my cat stretch all of the time. 🙂
Denise | 5th Jul 19
Cats do love to stretch!
Zenaida Arroyo | 5th Jul 19
All of the time! 😉
Marcia | 5th Jul 19
I was a flexible dancer many moons ago. Running does take a toll and it’s so easy to blow off stretching to save time.
Denise | 5th Jul 19
Do you find that you have retained that flexibility? My girls were dancers but still not as flexible as some of the other dancers.