The Benefits of Stretching

There are many added benefits of stretching, and stretching needs to be an integral part of your fitness program .

Stretching, in its most simple form, is an instinctive and natural act . People often stretch reflexively after waking from sleep or after long intervals of restful activity . As a form of physical fitness exercise , stretching consists of elongating a specific muscle or muscle group to its fullest length .

The Basic Top 5 Benefits of Stretching:

1. Stretching improves flexibility. Flexibility is the degree to which an individual muscle will extend . As you get older , your muscles begin to tighten and shorten , limiting your flexibility. This restricted flexibility causes your movement to become slower and less fluid and makes you more susceptible to muscle, joint and tendon injuries. Stretching is the most effective way to enhance flexibility.

2. Stretching improves the circulatory system . Stretching raises blood flow to the muscles . Increased blood flow brings additional nourishment to the muscles and removes more waste byproducts from the muscles . Enhanced circulation can also help shorten your recovery time if you’ve had any muscle injuries.

3. Stretching can eradicate low back pain. Lower back pain might be the most prevalent kind of structural pain and it affects a significant percentage of people worldwide. Muscle tightness in the quadriceps, hamstrings , hip flexors and low back muscles is a common cause of low back pain. Stretching these muscles will usually eliminate the pain .

4. Stretching is good for the heart . Recent studies have found that stretching can improve artery function and lower blood pressure .

5. Stretching feels good and is relaxing . Stretching is a good way to cool down and relax after a workout . Stretching is also a good stress reliever.

Stretching Tips

Stretching needs to be performed correctly to be beneficial. Here are some stretching tips that will help ensure that you’re stretching properly:

• Stretching should be performed a minimum of three days per week in order to improve and maintain flexibility
• Never stretch cold muscles. Stretching cold muscles can cause injury
• Never force a stretch beyond the point of mild tension. You should in no way feel pain when stretching
• Never throw your weight into a stretch or bounce when you stretch . Stretching should be fluid and gentle
• Breathe slowly and easily when stretching. Don’t hold your breath when stretching

What a Back Stretch Machine can do for You

The solution for many people who suffer from chronic lower back pain is a simple lever-based machine that answers the question of how to stretch your lower back carefully and gently to alleviate back pain . The EZStretchNFlex, in particular, is easy to assemble and portable . Simply lay down on a hard surface and place your ankles in a padded holder and your arms in the crutch on top, and pull the handles that gently stretch your upper, mid and lower back, giving immediate relief. 

This is more effective and much easier than the strap-type back stretchers which you need to anchor to a door or wall , and then they just basically drag you across the floor, so your stretch is constrained by how slippery your floor is.  And of course, inversion tables are heavily advertised, but they are huge, expensive and much harder to use.

Holistic Approach to Back Pain Relief

By using a simple back stretcher, you may be able to cut down or eliminate high priced visits to your doctor or chiropractor , and you could possibly be able to reduce or eliminate pain medication that is expensive and can typically make you feel worse. Back stretching machines also strengthen abdominal muscles which are needed to keep the lower back strong to rehabilitate and maintain a healthful body.