With so many of us working from home, we are spending more time sedentary than ever. Sitting for long periods of time can have a negative effect on your muscles, bones, and joints, so finding time to move is essential. One underrated form of movement is stretching—you may think it doesn’t benefit you because it doesn’t get your heart rate up like a run on the treadmill, but it is one of the best things you can do for your physical and mental health, especially first thing in the morning! We asked Mika Morris, a Body FX Sports Nutrition Specialist, how exactly morning stretching benefits you.
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Stretching Improves Posture
“Stretching comes with many benefits, namely improving posture, balance, circulation, and stress management,” Morris says, “For one thing, most people chronically sit, hunched over at that! This leads to a number of tight muscles in all of the right places for major back pain! Spending some time mixing in static and dynamic stretches can help elongate otherwise shortened muscles and fix the common imbalances that result in pain and poor posture.”
Better Workout Performance
“When your body is loose, elongated, and upright, you are certain to perform everyday movements better, especially your workouts. Proper posture when performing a squat or deadlift, for instance, is important to avoid injury and achieve the maximum benefit of the movement!” Morris explains. “Aside from your body benefiting during your workout, incorporating stretching also benefits you after your workout. You can look forward to a reduction in soreness and recovery time, and improved blood flow to achieve that.”
Improved Blood Flow and a Healthy Heart
“Better blood flow or circulation means that the function of your muscles improves, as well as the function of your organs! Keep a healthy heart, a sharp mind, and happy lungs by adding this to your routine.” Morris says.
Better Balance
Investing in your balance is one great thing you can do for your body, especially as you age! “If you struggle a bit with coordination and balance, stretching often definitely helps! And if you’re not sleeping well or feel a bit more anxious than normal, you’ll feel the benefits of stretching almost immediately! Better posture, circulation and organ function all work together to improve the balance of one’s body both physically and mentally.”
Decreased Stress
With how busy life is for many of us, being chronically stressed is unfortunately very normal. Stretching can help! “The mind and body are intricately connected! When your mind is stressed, your body is tight! When your body is tight, your mind is less free-flowing! The nervous system literally communicates between the brain and the body, so loosening up your body with a good stretch routine can ease the stress and anxiety of your mind greatly.” Morris says.
Stretching regularly, especially in the morning, can benefit your mind, body, and spirit. From improving your posture to reducing stress, taking time to slowly stretch in the morning is a great way to start your day on a high note. If you’re new to stretching and struggling with getting started, Body FX offers beginner stretch classes.
