Stretching – A Key Component in Your Workout Program

When it comes to working out, very few people are as flexible as they should be, which is due to inadequate stretching as part of their workout routine. Look around at your fellow Workout Anytime Chatsworth members and see how many people are stretching, or even worse, stretching incorrectly. The amount of flexibility a person needs is unique to that individual. If your muscles are tight it’s time to stretch! There is a difference between flexibility and stretching. Flexibility refers to the range of motion for a given joint. The degree of flexibility that a person has is influenced by muscles and connective tissues, like ligaments and tendons. Stretching is a form of exercise that can lead to an increase in flexibility. WebMD. "Tight muscles can cause undue strain on the neighboring joints during the normal daily function, or they themselves can become injured," Sasha Cyrelson, D.P.T., clinical director at Professional Physical Therapy in Sicklerville, New Jersey. Lack of proper stretching can lead to injuries, slowing down the progress you are making at the gym! By doing a ton of work that contracts the muscles (which shortens them) and never stretching (lengthening) them, your muscles will end up imbalanced. Imbalances in the body increase your risk of injury because they can cause some muscles and joints to overcompensate for other ones that are too tight to engage properly. This leads to strains and discomfort, Cyrelson says. So, if you are ready to add a critical new component to your workout routine, contact your Workout Anytime Chatsworth Fitness Coach for a time to teach you the ins and outs of stretching and flexibility. Your body will thank you and pay dividends for years to come.