In this post I’d like to write about one of the best way to finish and maximise the benefits of my workouts.
Stretching became the most important part when I’m training. I never leave the gym without cool down my body and mind.
Stretching is highly recommended and I benefit from both physiological and psychological effects.
It’s a routine to connect with my body, to feel it and be able to read it. When I train I just have my music and kind of killing it. Not thinking just doing it. Smash it.
But when I stretch, I mediate. And actually I am. I swap my workout music to a Buddhist Music (I love the best) which for meditation. And start practising breathing techniques and just cooling down. Doing slow motions and focusing on what my body says to me. I’m taking time to nourish my body and keep it healthy and strong. For the last bit of my stretching just sitting on the mat and focusing on my breath and taking a moment to say thanks for it which allows me to continue in my daily life. Also thanking for myself to taking care of my body and my mind everyday and I thank to my body for being a perfect and strong vessel as it is.
My stretching routine helps me appreciate my hard work. Scanning my body to notice any areas of tension and with my mind letting go of anything that’s not serving me.
One of the most overlooked aspects of exercise is stretching after a workout. Stretching tired and sore muscles after a workout is essential as it enhances flexibility and reduces muscle tension.
Your muscle should be warm before you begin your stretching. Do a dynamic warm up before workout that stimulates the movements you’ll be doing in order to warm up and prepare your body.
Stretch after the workout when your muscles are already warm.
Benefits of Post Workout Stretches:
Gradually slows down the body
When you go through an intense of exercise, your body can feel drained and fatigued, but stretching and breathing techniques will help you feel rested and relaxed.
Mental clarity and mind-body connection
Stretching isn’t just for the muscles. It also helps harmonise your mind, relax your mood, and relieve
stress. Also gives you a chance to tune into your body, taking notice of any sore muscles or joints that need extra attention or break.
Increased Flexibility
The body becomes more flexible, it helps constricted and contracted muscles release back to their more comfortable state and the body will eventually more flexible, which can help prevent injuries.
Improved Range of Motion
Stretch muscles after a workout, you’ll be able to utilise the same muscles towards a greater range of motion. This will get you better results because you’ll have used your muscles to their maximum capacity.
Improved Blood circulation
In an intense workout the body pumps blood faster to the heart making it beat at a rapid rate. This allows muscle to recovery and repair.
Eliminates Lactic Acid
The moment you workout muscles, the body produces lactic acid which makes the muscles fatigued and sore. It is important to stretch as stretching eliminates the lactic acid that has accumulated inside the body and also relaxes the muscles.
Boots your energy
If you do stretch properly, you’ll likely notice that your energy level is steady and consistent. When the body cools down, the brain releases endorphins, a natural and healthy feel-good chemical. After a good post-work out stretch, you’ll be energised and ready to meet any challenge.
Pain Prevention
Stretching will not dissipate the pain but will definitely minimise it to a large extent. And reduce your predisposition to injuries.
Increased Muscular Coordination
Enhanced muscle coordination is common benefit of stretching, especially in strength training. Stretch gives your muscles better functional mobility and allow them to synchronise properly.
Create a stretching routine after your workouts and see the different in body and in your mood.
The workout and the stretching together gives me such a boost that it makes me feel I’m high and I feel so amazing and happy every time that it becoming an addiction. 🙂
Peace&Love
Miti