A common misconception is that you must be an athlete, or workout multiple times a week to benefit from stretching. The truth is, those with a sedentary lifestyle can benefit just as much as athletes! Not only will it help you to feel your best now, but it will benefit your body as you age!
Working from a desk for hours at a time can be tough on the body. When you sit at a desk or engage in other sedentary activities for extended periods, your muscles can become tight and stiff, leading to discomfort and pain. Incorporating movement into your workday and giving yourself time to stretch can help ease the pain of tension that can be caused from sitting for long periods of time.
Here are some ways that stretching can help:
1. Improve flexibility and range of motion:
Stretching can help to increase the flexibility of your muscles and joints, allowing you to move more easily and freely. This will also benefit your body as you age. Regular stretching also helps to maintain joint health and prevent muscle imbalances that can limit your range of motion. By incorporating stretching into your daily routine, you can improve your overall mobility and flexibility, making it easier to perform daily activities and maintain an active lifestyle.
2. Reduce muscle tension and soreness:
Stretching can help to alleviate muscle tension and soreness, which can be particularly helpful for those who sit for extended periods. Working from a desk can often result in stiff shoulders and lower back pain, if you are not moving enough throughout the day or sitting with improper form. By stretching you can reduce soreness by increasing blood flow to the muscles, which helps to flush out the buildup of waste products that can cause soreness and stiffness. It also helps to elongate and relax tight muscles, reducing tension and promoting better circulation.
3. Improve posture:
Sitting for long periods can cause your posture to suffer, leading to back pain and other issues. Stretching can help to improve your posture by lengthening tight muscles and improving spinal alignment. Stretching can also address these imbalances by loosening tight muscles and promoting better flexibility, while also strengthening weaker muscles to support better alignment.
4. Boost energy levels:
Stretching can help to increase blood flow and oxygen to your muscles, which can help to boost your energy levels and reduce feelings of fatigue. When we sit or remain sedentary for long periods, our circulation can become sluggish, leading to feelings of fatigue and sluggishness. Stretching helps to stimulate blood flow and oxygenation, which can help to energize the body and mind.
5. Reduce stress and improve relaxation:
Stretching can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation, which can be particularly helpful for those who have a sedentary lifestyle. When we experience stress or anxiety, our muscles tend to become tense and tight, which can lead to discomfort and further exacerbate feelings of stress. Stretching helps to relieve this tension by promoting the release of endorphins, which are natural chemicals that help to reduce pain and promote relaxation.
Incorporating regular stretching into your daily routine can provide numerous benefits for those with a sedentary lifestyle. Our Stretchologists work with all levels and are happy to help you find a routine that works best for you!
Book a Stretch in the Lounge and experience the benefits of assisted stretching!
