How to Stretch for Health

If you’ve pegged 2023 as the year when you get into the best shape of your life, a daily stretching routine is essential for meeting your goals. Better flexibility will keep you active and pointed toward your goals, and it’s something that you can easily build if you know how to stretch for success. These tips will help you learn how to stretch for better flexibility so you can maximize your performance and results

How to Stretch for Better Flexibility

Create a Daily Stretching Routine

Some may think that stretching is only really important as a way to warm up for other exercises, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Stretches are, in and of themselves, smaller corrective exercises that help strengthen muscles, fend off pain, and, yes, build up better flexibility. If you’re already active or want to start being more active so that you can feel better and lose weight, stretching for 10-15 minutes every day can be the spark you need to ignite your engines. Building a daily stretching routine and sticking with it is a realistic goal you can set that can lead to bigger, better ambitions. 

Work on Your Technique

Before you start a daily stretching routine, it’s important that you know how to stretch effectively. Your goal should be to work the core muscle groups, including common problem areas like your neck, shoulders, and back. Like lifting weights or sitting at a desk, form is a key part of proper stretching. Focus on the contraction of your muscles and hold once you begin to feel tension. Keep the movements smooth and focused, and release after 30 seconds or so. Stretching shouldn’t hurt, so don’t stretch to the point of feeling pain. 

Diversify Your Stretching

The beauty of stretching is that there are so many different types you can try and perfect. If you’re learning how to stretch for better flexibility, you’ll have plenty of unique ways to get into it. From something as simple as a standing hamstring stretch or butterfly stretch to more advanced techniques like the pretzel stretch, you can build out a daily stretching routine that’s customized to your liking. 

Preferred Chiropractic of Midland Can Help You Achieve Better Flexibility

Being flexible can help you with your fitness goals and may even lower your chances of sustaining an injury. Knowing how to stretch for better flexibility can help—and so can Preferred Chiropractic of Midland. Schedule an appointment online or call us at (989) 837-5998 to learn how chiropractic care can help you meet and exceed your fitness goals and resolutions in 2023.