Stretching before exercising is really important because it helps warm up the muscles you are about to work on and prevent injury.
Similarly, stretching after exercising is just as important as it will reduce muscle soreness and help your muscles return to their original state.
Reasons to stretch after exercising
Stiffness and Pain
During a hard workout, your muscles undergo numerous contractions that leave them in a shortened, false state, so you ‘ll feel stiff and sore if you don’t try to get them back to their original state by stretching.
Lactic acid
Your body produces lactic acid which makes your muscles tired and sore, stretching after exercising helps eliminate lactic acid .
Endorphins
Endorphins are released after a workout once your body begins to cool down, stretching after exercising helps to slow down the cooling process and ensures that you feel energized after your workout.
Blood flow
Stretching helps blood return to your muscles at a more regulated rate, allowing your heart rate to return to normal. Your muscles feed on the oxygen and nutrients that the blood brings.
Pain in the lower back
The most common complaint among athletes and people who exercise is pain in the lower back area . Nine out of ten stretches for the hamstrings and hip flexors, the muscles that are attached to the pelvis, will relieve that pain.
General posture
General posture improves with stretching after exercise . People tend to stand up more firmly, especially if you focus on stretching the back, shoulders, and chest.
Tension and anxiety
General tension and anxiety lead to muscle tension and manifests in having a stiff neck or tight shoulders. Loosening and stretching after exercising those muscles leads to an overall feeling of stress relief.
Flexibility
The increased flexibility , which will occur as you stretch, will allow you to exercise more effectively.
Toned muscles
Over time, stretching will tone your muscles and your body will appear leaner . You just need to look at the bodies of those who practice yoga regularly.
Reduce the risk of injury
Last but not least, stretching after exercising reduces the risk of injury , as you will have an improved range of motion, which in turn decreases the resistance of the muscles.
Static stretching is suitable for post-exercise, and each time you stretch for 25 to 30 seconds , your muscles regain their shape.
Foam rolls , like those used in swimming, are an excellent complement to your stretching routine , especially if you have a part of your body that is particularly tense, it also increases circulation and helps lower your heart rate.
