Stronger Through Stretching

When training for strength, an equal amount of time lifting weights should be spent stretching and improving flexibility. Besides being able to perform in a full range of motion, this is very important because being flexible improves posture, neuromuscular coordination, muscular balance, mobility, and muscle function. Stretching also reduces soreness of muscles and reduces joint degeneration.Neuromuscular increases are a huge advantage to training because signals reach your brain faster and make you have quicker reactions. By stretching your muscles out, you decrease the risk of injury by reducing stiffness and tension in the tissues. You build strength faster because you maintain increased blood flow and nutrients to the tissues.You can increase flexibility by performing dynamic stretches prior to workouts. Dynamic stretching is moving your body in a similar way that you will be moving during your workout. For example, if you are primarily going to be working on your chest and you plan on performing a chest press, a good dynamic workout would be back slaps. If you plan on working on your legs that day a good stretch would be Frankenstein Kicks. Static stretching should be done after every workout. This is very important to reduce injury and soreness. Static stretches are held for 10-60 seconds each. A couple good stretches are toe touches or spinal twists. It’s a really good idea to consistently stretch throughout the day every day to maintain long term flexibility. You should stretch until you feel mild discomfort but never until the point of pain to reduce injury. Yoga is a great way to incorporate flexibility and strength into your life and it relaxes the mind and body!