Recently, at the end of a group lesson, I was asked why I always stretch at the end of a workout. Is there any scientific evidence that stretching after a workout is useful?
That is not a lie, there is indeed no scientific evidence that stretching, for example, reduces the risk of injuries. This should not be the reason why you use stretching.
Take a step back
To return to why I like to stretch with my group at the end of the lesson, it is because you can use it to create peace after a heavy effort or busy period. It gives me the space to thank everyone for their participation and enthusiasm while stretching. And the group also has the opportunity to share their opinion about the lesson. Who had a hard time or which exercises went easier than expected. The sports or exercise chapter can be concluded together in this way. Both body and mind can cross the exercise task off the list for the day. On a roll!
Get some rest
Another reason to stretch regularly is that it can help your body and mind relax just after getting up or before going to sleep. So my advice is to sometimes take a moment of rest for yourself, we don't do this enough in our daily lives. It's time to do this more often or to start doing so. In sports classes such as Yoga and Pilates, stretching and breathing techniques can reduce stress, which ensures peace and satisfaction during, but certainly also after, the class.
Wellus/nietus
It could be that if you ask your trainer the question, he or she will come up with the answer that stretching can be harmful to the muscles. And when you ask the same question to another trainer, he or she will answer that it is good for the functioning of the muscles. What is it now?
And a frequently heard fact about stretching is that the muscles lengthen. This is a fable. Stretching, on the other hand, can improve mobility and flexibility. And great flexibility is important for certain sports such as gymnastics or martial arts.
The conclusion
The conclusion is that there are contradictions about stretching even in science. Are you unsure whether it can be beneficial to your performance and/or well-being? Try stretching for a while, before or after exercise, before you go to bed or when you just get out of bed. Does it increase your flexibility? Does it make you more relaxed to start the day or to end it? Then ask yourself: does it make sense for me to stretch? If the answer is yes, great! If not, just good friends.
Thank you for your time.
And remember, breathe in deeply………..and exhale.
Healthy greetings,
Donald Joosse
Enforce Master Trainer
donald@enforce.nl
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