Does Stretching Improve Circulation?

You’ve likely heard that stretching is good for your body. We’ve even talked about how stretching can be used to prevent injury in our Guide to Injury Prevention for Boxing, MMA and Other Sports. But we often hear our clients ask, are health benefits associated with stretching? Or, does stretching improve circulation?

At Grants MMA & Boxing Gym, our personal trainers, boxing coaches and fitness instructors understand that stretching is a crucial component of any fitness plan. We also know that stretching can provide you with health benefits beyond injury prevention. In this article, we answer some of our most commonly asked questions about stretching. Check it out and see why you might wish to consider adding stretching to your routine, even on the days you don’t fit in a workout.

Does Stretching Improve Your Circulation?

According to Harvard Health, stretching, in particular stretching of the lower body, is thought to be associated with a release of chemicals that promote the expansion of the arteries. This expansion allows for improved circulation and may contribute to the prevention of strokes. Even if you aren’t regularly working out, stretching is something that can be good for both your mind and body. Consider speaking with your doctor for more information on how stitching can be used as a health-promoting tool and how it could benefit your physical health.

Is Yoga a Replacement for Stretching?

Though many people enjoy stretching as it helps to loosen up and release tight muscles, some find it tedious and would rather just skip it. If you struggle with adding dedicated stretching to your fitness routine, you might want to consider trying yoga. Though yoga is not a replacement for all types of stretches, it is a wonderful way to help you ensure you are stretching regularly and deeply. As part of your yoga practice, you will hold poses that offer stretching. Yoga has many benefits beyond stretching and is certainly worth trying out.

How Often Should I Stretch for Health Benefits?

Any stretching is better than no stretching, but if you are looking to gain health benefits from stretching you will want to consider making stretching part of your regular fitness or wellness routine. Consider adding some dynamic stretching into your morning routine to help wake up your body and muscles and try for deeper static stretches after your muscles are warmed and it is safer to push for a deeper stretch.

For best stretching results you might wish to consider stretching daily. It can seem tough to fit yet another activity into your day. If this is the case, try starting slow by adding just a few minutes of stretching 2-3 times a week and focusing on ensuring you get a good stretch after a workout.

Have more questions about incorporating stretching into your fitness routine? Get in touch with one of the expert personal trainers at Grants MMA and Boxing gym. We look forward to helping you develop a training plan that utilizes stretching to help improve your results, reduce your chances of injury, and promote overall wellness.