Most people will eagerly spend time and money on fitness gear they hope will improve their performance while one of the most effective tools in a fitness arsenal, proper stretching, is completely overlooked!

But you don’t have to take my word for it! Take a look at the facts!

The Benefits of Stretching:
*Reduces Risk of Injury
*Increases Range of Motion
*Slows joint degeneration
*Decreases Muscle Stiffness
*Decreases Post-Workout Muscle Soreness
*Improves Posture and Body Alignment
*Relieves Stress-Related Muscle Tension
*Improves Circulation
*Prepares Body for Exercise and Impact on Joints
*Enhances Exercise Performance
*Decreases Risk of Low-Back Pain
*Elongates the Body

When you’re pressed for time it’s tempting to cut corners on stretching, but you’re better off squeezing some in than dismissing it altogether. You can make this feasible by multitasking! For example, stretch in the shower while your muscles are still warm from your workout. Provided you have good balance, you can hold a nice long stretch as the shampoo rinses out of your hair. If you’re a woman, you can get a great stretch on your hamstrings by propping your foot up on the tub and leaning forward into the stretch as you shave your legs!

To safely and effective stretch, hold each position for 15-30 seconds, relax, and then hold the same stretch for another 15-30 seconds. You should feel tension on the muscle you’re a stretching but you should never feel pain. Never stretch a cold muscle and try to avoid jerking movements. Finally, try to relax and enjoy the quiet moment. You spend enough of your day rushing from one thing to the next; allow yourself the breather of a nice long stretch after your workout!