Ever wonder why stretching is important for exercise or any rehabilitation programs? Stretching warms up the body for activity and lowering the risk of injury and muscle soreness.
We’ll decode why stretching is beneficial for your body whether it’s to a stretch after sitting down for a while or before and after a workout.
Here are the top 5 benefits of stretching according to the Mayo Clinic:
1. Increases flexibility and joint range of motion
Daily performance improves when you increase your flexibility – lifting packages, running to catch the bus because easier and less tiring.
2. Improves circulation
When you stretch it increases blood flow, nourishing the muscle tissue and flushing out any waste byproducts in the muscle tissue. Improved circulation also reduces the recovery time if you have any muscle injuries.
3. Promotes better posture
Frequent stretching helps reduce tightness in your muscles, allowing you to maintain better posture.
4. Relief from stress
Muscles tend to tense up as a result of being stress – stretching helps to ease that tension.
5. Enhances your coordination
Stretching helps to keep a full range of motion through your joints because it loosens stiff muscles, which helps give you better balance.
Taking the time to breathe and stretch everyday can benefit you for your entire life. Continue to strengthening your body by stretching.
February 4, 2011 | Categories: Exercise | Tags: Benefits of Stretching, blood circulation, coordination, Flexibility, Mayo Clinic, muscles, posture, relief from stress | Leave A Comment »
Fight off colds this season by incorporating ginger into your diet. It’s an “herb” with strong flavor that is unmistakable AND has medicinal properties.
Ginger has been used for several health properties for hundreds of years in many different cultures. Some of the benefits include:
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Calm nausea and motion sickness
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Aid digestion
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Increase blood circulation
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Lower cholesterol
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Boost the immune system and
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Acting as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
Try this energizing drink that is packed with vitamin C, antioxidants and beta-carotene to start your day.
Pear Ginger Smoothie
1 ripe Anjou or Bartlett pear—peeled, cored and chopped
1/4 cup fresh carrot juice
1/4 cup skim milk
1/2 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger
1/2 cup crushed ice
Combine all the ingredients in a blender until smooth and enjoy!
January 12, 2011 | Categories: Nutrition | Tags: anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Beta-carotene, blood circulation, cholestorol, cold, digestion, flu, Ginger, Health Benefits, Herb, immune system, nausea, Pear, Smoothie, Vitamin C | Leave A Comment »
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