Do you Stretch

Can we say----CRAZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZY???!!!!

We all often skip stretching at the end of our workouts because we either run out of time or don't understand how important stretching really is. All of us are guilty of it sometimes, and then we sit around wondering why we didn't recover as quickly as we usually do.

Why Stretch???

1. Improves range of motion in joints--  If the muscles are tight (shortened range of motion) you may develop little tears in the muscles which will make you more prone to injury. Stretching at the end of your workout allows you to lengthen the muscles and increase your range of motion within the joint, resulting in increased flexibility over time.

2. Speed up recovery--  Stretching keeps you looser for future workouts. It will reduce muscle soreness, stiffness, and even improve your performance. This can be valuable for individuals who are training and want to avoid time lost to injury. Faster recovery equals better workouts in the future, period!

3. Reduces injury-- When warm muscles are stretched, you increase performance, can reduce the risk for future injury, and increase overall flexibility.  Avoid stretching when muscles are cold, to ward off strains, cramping, and setbacks due to injuries.

Try these static stretches at home.