Some people really don't like or forget to stretch but it's actually just as important as regular exercise. It’s often overlooked and it shouldn't been.
WHY?
Muscles, like other tissues in our body, need to be well circulated and healthy. We spend most of our day in the same posture and by not stretching, we continue to overuse and fatigue our muscles, making them short and tight. We form adhesions and connective tissue that is not needed, decrease circulation and flexibility, while increase the risk of tendonitis, aches and pain.
BENEFITS OF STRETCHING
You reduce muscle tension, improve flexibility, prevent cramps, it speeds up the recovery process after workout, increase circulation of blood and energy levels. Plus you'll have better posture, feel more confident, have better balance, it's great for glutes and of course you also decrease risk of injury.
A maintenance stretch is usually held for between 10-15 seconds.
STRETCH IN THE MORNING and DURING THE DAY
Instead of snoozing in the morning, stretch your back, legs, arms, neck. Stretching will wake your body from sleep and increased blood flow to your muscles providing an extra shot of oxygen and preparing them for a new day.
At work. Stress, repetetive movements and stationary postures lead to decreased blood circulation and weak muscles so stand up and stretch. You can get some ideas on office stretch on the web.
WARMUP BEFORE AND STRETCH DURING AND AFTER WORKOUT
After workout, muscles need to repair themselves and fibers that are entangled impede the recovery process. When you stretch a muscle, tension in the fiber increases, aligning the disorganized tissue in the same line. It's more and more recommended that you stretch even during exercises.
Now you know that it is important to stretch all your muscle groups on a daily basis so don't ignore it (for your own good).
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