Welcome back to our blog here at Green Pastures Still Waters! Stretching is a key part of keeping your body healthy, especially for seniors. So today, we’re going to go over three benefits of stretching for seniors!
Benefit 1: Stretching Improves Flexibility
Stretching can increase flexibility and improve the range of motion for your joints. Flexibility is necessary to keep tissue and joints healthy for anyone, but especially as we age. Elite athletes stretch, no matter the sport.
If the tissues around your joints lose their flexibility, you become more prone to muscle strains and/or ligament tears. There was a study done in 2019 that found that dynamic stretches immediately increase the flexibility of the targeted joint that lasts up to 90 minutes
Benefit 2: Stretching Prevents Injury
That same study also found that stiff hamstrings and decreased motion in the knee are high-risk factors for a hamstring injury. Dynamic stretching’s loosening of tissues and muscles means it may help prevent those injuries.
An earlier study found that both dynamic and static stretching 15 minutes before activity decreases injury risk. Additional benefits were reduced low back pain, and fewer muscle/tendon injuries.
Benefit 3: Stretching Keeps You Mobile
“A body in motion stays in motion” is a law of physics, and it applies to us too. Stretching maintains your range of motion, which is needed for everyday activities and also more athletic interests like cycling or golf. Flexibility decreases as we age, and keeping that range of motion will allow you to maintain independence. Plus, people tend to get more hunched over and take shorter strides as they age, putting extra strain on your joints and limiting mobility, which makes stretching all the more critical.
Contact Us And Start Now!
Stretching is important for everyone, but especially so for seniors. If this blog post intrigued you about Stretching and Flexibility with Jim, don’t hesitate to book a class today! You can stay up to date with us here at GPSW by following our Instagram, Liking our Facebook page, and keeping tabs on the blog!
Remember, stretching and all of our other personal fitness classes are available at our wellness center at 1413 Hertel Ave, Buffalo NY 14216. Fill out a form, call us, or book an appointment on our MindBody app today!
