It should come as no surprise that stretching can make you a lot more flexible than you used to be. While it may be astonishing that stretching can really work your muscles, flexibility stemming from stretches is generally common knowledge.
However, not many people know how this happens and what exactly stretching does to your muscles to increase their flexibility. So, before you head to Mission Beach and join one of the professional boot camp classes, learn a bit more about stretching and flexibility.
Can flexibility be improved?
Of course flexibility can be improved. We understand your fear, we really do, as it is never comfortable beginning to notice your body starting to get less and less flexible with each passing day. But no need to rush off to California Department of Public Health just yet.
If your body is aching as you make the most normal movements, or if you’re no longer able to bend your body to your desire, as you once could, it really is time to start thinking about ways to improve your flexibility.
Even though your body’s not in a state you’d want it to be, or even a state you remember, it is possible to break this vicious circle and get back on the right track. And the solution might even be simpler than you could have ever thought.
Does stretching make you more flexible?
And here it is – stretching. As we’ve said, the solution to your problem, the method to improve your flexibility and get your body feeling right again is easy and demands as little effort from your part as possible. But, mind you, you still need to put in some effort.
So yes, stretching really can massively improve your flexibility. Any physical activity can make you more flexible, but stretching especially so. It has to do with the specific movements you perform during stretching.
Let’s say you’re trying to reach your toes with your hands. The mere motion of doing so will work the muscles in your back, legs, and arms, elongating them, making them stronger, which, in turn, strengthens the area around your joints, making them function better.
This is what passive stretching does. Active stretching is also beneficial to your flexibility. When you warm up, for example, your wrists, you turn them around, which improves their function, getting them to, once again, become accustomed to the movements they once could perform.
Why does stretching make you more flexible?
We’ve just given you a, let’s call it, physical explanation, and now, we’re going to present you with a neurological explanation as to how and why stretching actually improves your flexibility. Don’t worry though, it sounds a lot more scientific than it needs to be.
The nervous system controls all of your muscles. There are sensors around your body called muscle spindles, and they are the centers that detect a change in the length of your muscles and immediately notify the spinal cord. This will cause your muscles to contract in order to resist the stretch.
However, in time, as you continue stretching, these spindles adapt, they start notifying the spinal cord less frequently, which allows your muscles to remain a bit elongated, allowing you greater flexibility.
However, flexibility also stems from your brain, which controls the pain you might be experiencing with reduced flexibility while doing various movements. Regular stretching can also help reprogram the brain, allowing you to increase your range of motion.
How long should you stretch to get flexible?
We’re going to give you several pointers as to how much and how often you should stretch. The important thing to note first is that you should not overdo it when it comes to stretching.
- Keep it light for the first week or two, and only then start doing longer static stretches.
- Stretch each muscle for about thirty seconds during each of your stretching sessions. That means dedicating the same amount of time to your legs, arms, back, etc.
- Once a day is completely fine, you don’t have to do it a couple of times a day.
- The ideal amount of weekly stretching is four times a week. You can do five, but you don’t have to.
And that’s it. Follow this pattern and you’ll soon increase your flexibility.
“Who in Mission Beach can show me how to stretch properly?”
If you’re looking to prepare for those engaging Mission Beach boot camp classes by learning how to stretch, you’re in luck, because you can do both at the same place – Fit! We are a gym that focuses on its clients, and we do all that we can to help them get fit!
So, if you’re ever strolling down to Mission Bay, thinking how you’d like to get back into shape, remember – Fit’s near, and you have a place where you can start working out and quickly get into shape. At our fitness centers, you can also join stretching sessions and work on your flexibility from 15 to 30 minutes. Fit should always be your first option!