Thirdly: We have all experienced what happens when you go for a run or to
the gym for the first time in a few months. The following day our muscles are tight,
sore, stiff and it's usually hard to even walk down a flight of stairs. This soreness
that usually accompanies strenuous physical activity is often referred to as post
exercise muscle soreness. This soreness is the result of micro tears, (minute tears
within the muscle fibers), blood pooling and accumulated waste products, such as
lactic acid. Stretching; as part of an effective cool-down, helps to alleviate this
soreness by lengthening the individual muscle fibers, increasing blood circulation
and removing waste products.
Fourthly: Fatigue is a major problem for everyone, especially those who exercise.
It results in a decrease in both physical and mental performance. Increased flexibility
through stretching can help prevent the effects of fatigue by taking pressure off
the working muscles. For every muscle in the body has an opposite or opposing muscle
and if the opposing muscles are more flexible, the working muscles do not have to
exert as much force against the opposing muscles. Therefore each movement of the
working muscles actually takes less effort.
And finally: Any person who experiences the benefits of stretching is certainly
more likely to feel good about themselves. This leads to a confidence and assuredness,
which helps to enhance physical performance and motivate the individual to participate
in exercise.
Stretching is one of the most under-utilized techniques for improving athletic performance,
preventing sports injury and properly rehabilitating sprain and strain injury. Don't
make the mistake of thinking that something as simple as stretching won't be effective.