The Benefits of Stretching After a Workout

The Benefits of Stretching After a Workout

Many people believe that a workout, like boxing, starts and ends with the exercise itself. However, to make the most of your boxing class or 1-2-1, it is essential that you don’t overlook the benefits of stretching after your workout.

Stretching is a fundamental way to reduce muscle pain and injury and increase flexibility, as well as having numerous other benefits to get the most out of your workout:

1. More Flexibility – One of the most important advantages to stretching after a workout is that you will get more flexibility in different muscles. It will allow tight muscles to relax and will gradually help your body to become more flexible and help stop injuries. Regular post workout stretching can help the body be more flexible, which means that exercises that need more flexibility will be more accessible.
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2. Reduces Pain – If you stretch well after exercise, it can help to reduce pain and tension in the body. Stretching can also help minimise your potential for injury.
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3. Increased Range of Motion – If muscles haven’t been stretched, they are less able to move to their full ability which means your workout won’t be at its best. If you stretch your muscles, it will increase their range of motion and help you to have a deeper workout, with better outcomes.
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4. Stops Lactic Acid – Lactic acid is created in the muscles when you exercise, tiring the muscles and creating discomfort. Stretching is helpful because it gets rid of the lactic acid that has built up and helps to release tension in the muscles.
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5. Increase Energy – Adequate stretching can help your energy remain stable. As you stretch, you cool down and the brain creates endorphins as the body cools, which help you feel good, and re-energises you.
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6. Improve Your Mind-Body Link – Stretching not only relaxes the body but helps calm the mind and provides the opportunity to connect with your body and notice if it needs more care.
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7. Better Circulation – A challenging workout makes the heart beat faster, so blood flows more quickly around the body and you warm up. Stretching helps the body to cool off and helps the heartbeat to slow down again. Stretching allows the muscles to recover by letting the blood circulation flow back through them comfortably.
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8. Better Muscle Coordination – If you stretch fatigued muscles, it gives them more mobility and helps them to work together more effectively.
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9. Progressively Slows the Body – Hardcore exercise can make you feel worn out and your muscles feel exhausted. If you stretch well after a workout it can help your body feel more rested and will help you get more from your workout.

If you don’t spend enough time on stretching post workout, it means that the workout might not be as good as it could be! If you’d like to try a fantastic workout, with world class teachers contact us now or have a look at our schedule.