Regular stretching increases flexibility and
flexible muscles can improve your daily performance. Tasks such
as lifting packages, bending to tie your shoes or hurrying to
catch a bus become easier and less tiring. Stretching improves
range of motion of your joints.
Stretching increases range of motion; keeps
you in better balance, improves circulation; and promotes better
posture. Frequent stretching keeps your muscles from getting
tight, allowing you to maintain proper posture and minimize
aches and pains. Stretching can relieve stress. Stretching relaxes
the tense muscles that often accompany stress. Stretching may
help prevent injury.
In the literature
described by Yessis, there are many beneficial stretches that
can improve Range of Motion (ROM) in athletes, especially runners.
In his experience as President of Sports Training Inc., and
retired professor at CSU Fullerton, he has helped many runners
improve their performance. In his review, he cites benefits
of stretching: may improve ROM reduce risk of injury prevent
post-exercise muscle soreness slow delayed-onset muscle soreness
(DOMS) To gain these benefits, Yessis describes different forms
of stretching along with their individual benefits. He suggests
that one stretching exercise may not be enough to prevent all
types of injury. Therefore, multiple stretching exercises should
be used to gain the full effects of stretching. See: Yessis,
Michael . "Runners Need Active Stretching." AMAA Journal Winter
18.2(2006): 8-18.
For some
recommended stretching exercises see:Flexibility
Exercises (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons)
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