There are many benefits to stretching, not just for athletes but for desk workers, teachers, tattoo artists, retail workers, and more
Some of the primary benefits are increased flexibility, increased blood flow, improved posture, tension and pain relief, and injury prevention
Now you might be thinking, “I sit at a desk every day, and I'm not active; why do I need to be flexible?” The answer is: you don’t! You don’t have to be anything you don’t want to be. But as a fitness professional and former athlete, it’s my role to help you make an informed decision about your body and its needs.
so what is stretching?
There are lots of different types of stretching, some common and some you may not even know how to pronounce. I’m only going to talk about 4 types: static, dynamic, PNF, and ballistic.
Static stretching:
Extending a muscle to a mild pull and holding the tension for a period of time.
This type of stretching is still; there is no movement once you are in position. It is typically ideal for post-workout
Dynamic Stretching:
Active, continuous movements that take a joint and muscles through full range of motion
This is good for warming up the body; it improves oxygen-rich blood flow into the muscles and prepares the body for high-intensity work, decreasing your chances of injury
Ballistic Stretching:
A method that uses bouncing and momentum to push a muscle or joint past its normal range of motion. You use a bouncing motion at the end of the stretch movement instead of holding still
This is a more advanced form of stretching and carries a risk of injury if done incorrectly. It can increase muscle elasticity, but it can also cause tearing or sprains.
PNF Stretching:
PNF stands for proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation. It involves stretching a muscle, contracting it against resistance, and then deepening the stretch. It tricks your muscles into allowing more space and deepening the stretch.
This technique combines stretching with muscle contraction and can improve flexibility and range of motion. PNF techniques are commonly used in rehabilitation and fitness settings.
This is also one of the techniques offered here at AR Health and Wellness.
If you’re curious about what type of stretching may be right for you and your body, book your intro stretch today!
