STRETCH FOR SUCCESS: Why stretching matters

We all know that exercise is important, but what about stretching? Stretching lengthens the muscles as well as the tendons, ligaments, and connective tissues. This prevents the muscles from developing in a shortened state and encourages a greater range of motion.  Stretching aids in the recovery process by increasing blood flow and delivering oxygen, hydration, and nutrients throughout your body. Straightline incorporates stretching in classes via dynamic warms ups and calming cool downs. You might be tempted to just go through the motions, but here's why you should think twice before skipping the stretching...

5 Benefits of Stretching
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1. Increases flexibility. Better flexibility improves your performance in physical activities, decreases your risk of injury, helps your joints move through their full range of motion, and enables your muscles to work more effectively. 
2. Increases blood flow. Performing stretches on a regular basis may improve your circulation. Improved circulation increases blood flow to your muscles, which can shorten your recovery time and reduce muscle soreness.
3. Improves your posture. Stretching has also been proven to improve reduce musculoskeletal pain and encourage proper alignment. 
4. Boosts your energy. Need an afternoon pick-me-up? Engaging in simple stretching can boost your energy and help you remain awake and alert.
5. Relieves stress. When you’re experiencing stress, there’s a good chance your muscles are tense. Stretch areas where you tend to hold stress, such as your shoulders and upper back.

Tips for Safe Stretching

• Warm-up your body before you stretch. After a 5-10 minute warm up you can complete some dynamic stretches. Save your static stretches (holding 30-60 seconds per stretch) for your post-workout cool-down.  Be mindful of breathing while stretching.
• How well you stretch is far more important than how far you stretch. Focus on having equal flexibility side to side. Imbalanced flexibility may be a risk factor for injury.
• Concentrate your stretches on major muscle groups such as your calves, thighs, hips, lower back, neck and shoulders.
• Expect to feel tension while you're stretching, not pain. If it hurts, you've pushed too far. 

​All Straightline classes include a cool-down with stretches to maximize the benefits of your workout time.  We urge you not to skip the stretch!  While Barre is known to increase flexibility, some of our classes include an extra yummy stretch sesh. We recommend trying Sweat & Stretch and Yoga Stretch & Restore.  Want stretching anytime? Our on-demand Equipment Corp includes several prop-assisted routines to encourage deeper and more effective stretching.

SIGN UP FOR CLASS & GET STRETCHIN'

Try some of our instructor's favorite stretches!

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