The Importance of Stretching After Working Out

You probably hear how important it is to stretch and warm up before a workout, but how often do you hear about cooling down with stretches after you’ve finished exercising? The importance of stretching after working out is often understated, but a myriad of benefits can come from making a little bit of an extra effort. Committing to cooling down after wearing yourself out may be difficult, but consider some of these benefits to motivate yourself.

Increases Flexibility

Stretching’s foremost benefit is that it can increase and enhance your body’s flexibility within the different muscle groups. It does this by helping your constricted and contracted muscles release themselves back into a more comfortable state, increasing your body’s range of motion over time. This increased flexibility is always positive because it will help you prevent injuries.

Improves Circulation

As you perform a more intense workout, your heart begins to work harder and blood pumps throughout your body at an increased rate. This circulation is great for a healthy heart and an effective workout, but your body will then need some time to slow your heart rate back to normal as you resume your daily routine. Stretching is ideal for allowing your body to ease back to normal and begin the process of muscle recovery and repair.

Eliminates Lactic Acid

The “burn” you feel during a workout is the buildup of lactic acid in your muscles. This acid forms when your cells need to produce energy but the supply of oxygen is low. This means that if you’re thinking of investing in a machine to get a full-body workout, such as our functional trainers for sale, you’ll also begin feeling a full-body buildup of lactic acid. Stretching after a workout eliminates lactic acid because the increased circulation carries more oxygen to your muscles.

Prevents Aches and Sores

The most apparent reason why stretching after working out is important is that it eliminates aches and sores. Stretching doesn’t completely eliminate any pains, but it greatly reduces them by keeping your muscles loose as they begin to repair themselves. If your muscles feel tight or stiff after you work out, you’ll be more prone to muscle injury.