by Carla Martorello

Created on: September 11, 2008   Last Updated: September 17, 2008

When you first wake up in the morning, what is really the very first thing you do once you are up? Yes, you stretch. Have you ever wonder why? If so, keep reading.

Stretching is a need we feel at certain times when our muscles feel uncomfortable, so to speak. When we stretch, we are elongating our muscles to their fullest lengths so as to improve their elasticity and also to reaffirm our muscle tone. Right after we stretch, we immediately feel more flexible, like we can move more and better.

Stretching is natural and instinctive, that is why we do it when we wake up, when we have been inactive for longs periods of time or when we come out of small spaces. We NEED to stretch. Moreover, after working out, we sometimes may not feel like stretching, but we should always do it. And what happens when we do? Lots of benefits. Check it out:

If your muscles are flexible you can move better and your everyday tasks such as lifting things or running to make it on time become less tiring and easier to perform.
Stretching increases blood flow to your muscles which will help you recover faster if your muscles ever get injured.
When you stretch you relax your muscles and by doing so you can relieve stress.
If you stretch often you are helping your muscles to not get tight - you will keep the right posture and will thereore have less aches and pains.
Before you work out, stretching can help you prevent injury to your muscles and joints.

If you are wondering what muscles you should stretch, these are the most important ones: calves, hips, neck, shoulders, thighs and lower back. However, bear in mind that you shouldn't stretch your muscles if they are cold because you could injure them. You should first warm up a little bit, or simply stretch after exercising your muscles will be warm enough then. Do remember to stretch each muscle for at least 30 seconds though, and make sure that you are not in pain while stretching tension on the muscles is OK, pain is not. Oh, and don't forget to breathe while you are at it! There is no need to hold your breath.

Repeat stretching every time you finish exercising, and if you don't exercise still do stretch at least three times a week so that you can stay flexible enough. Good stretching!

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