THE BENEFITS OF HYDRATING AND STRETCHING
Drinking and stretching – everyone knows it’s important to do before and after workouts, yet few actually prioritize it. Why? Well, the answer to that is basically in the question. Although many individuals are aware of the fact that they should hydrate and stretch, lots don’t know the reasons for it, nor the benefits there are too reap. In this article, we’ll review the concepts of hydration and stretching, as well as outline exactly why you should make it a point of emphasis in your fitness regime.
What’s The Value Of Hydration?
Hydration is defined by the levels of water you have in your body. It’s essential to life itself, and likewise key to optimal performance. When you workout, you sweat and lose fluids through respiration. This can lead to dehydration, which in turn can lead to cramping, fatigue, and other problems. Drinking water before and after your workout helps to get the fluids you need and replenish those you’ve lost.
What’s The Value Of Stretching?
Stretching is just as important as hydration, but often overlooked. When you stretch, you’re essentially warming up your muscles and preparing your body for physical activity. This helps to reduce the risk of injury and improve your range of motion. It’s important to stretch both before and after workouts, as well as on rest days.
The Benefits Of Hydration And Stretching Pre And Post Workout
There are so many benefits to taking the time to both stretch and hydrate before and after your workouts. They aren’t insignificant either – doing each provides you with the ability to see and feel a difference in your performance. The following are just some of the advantages of hydrating and stretching before and after you exercise.
Improved Flexibility
Water is a massive part of the human body, and as such, a lack of it can make it a lot harder for systems to work optimally. Dehydrated muscles are unable to contract and extend the way they are meant to when fully hydrated, resulting in a greater degree of stiffness and inflexibility. Alternatively, making sure you’re properly hydrated means that muscles have all of the fluids they need to work to the best of their abilities, promoting increased range of motion and flexibility.
Injury Prevention
Tight muscles are much more susceptible to tears and other types of injuries. When you properly stretch and hydrate before working out, you’re giving your muscles the chance to warm and limber up slowly and avoid any sudden, extreme movements that could lead to an injury.
Reduced Muscle Soreness
DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) is that pain and stiffness you feel a day or two after working out, and it’s caused by tiny tears in your muscles that occur during exercise. Stretching after your workout is important in order to help your muscles recover from the stress of exercise and avoid injuries caused by DOMS.
Improved Circulation
Hydration and stretching go hand in hand when it comes to promoting circulation. When you’re properly hydrated, your blood is able to carry more oxygen to your muscles, which helps them to recover and repair more effectively. Stretching also helps to improve circulation by gently moving the muscles and encouraging the flow of blood through the body.
Enhanced Performance
When you properly hydrate your body, you’re equipping it with what it needs to function at the most optimal level possible. Not only does this mean that you’re less likely to experience fatigue, cramping, and other issues during your workout, but it also means that you’ll be able to push yourself harder and see better results. The same goes for stretching – taking the time to properly warm up your muscles means that they’ll be able to work more effectively and efficiently throughout your workout.
Better Joint Mobility
Joints rely heavily on muscles for support and stability. When muscles are tight, they put unnecessary strain on joints, which can lead to pain and mobility issues. Staying properly hydrated and taking the time to stretch can support your body in maintaining healthy joint function.
Overall, it’s pretty clear that there are a lot of benefits to both stretching and hydration, both before and after working out. Taking the time to do each can make a big difference in your performance, recovery, and risk of injury. So next time you’re getting ready for a workout, don’t forget to drink up and take a few minutes to stretch!
