The benefits of stretching and flexibility training have long been known, but to this day it remains a missing component from most workout programs. That said, it’s no real mystery why. Stretching is hard to perform effectively on your own and it’s typically uncomfortable (albeit painful). That’s why Jersey Strong has partnered with the “Godfather of Flexibility”, Roger Kraig, to develop a Stretching Certification specifically for Jersey Strong and our Trainers. Arriving this August 2018, all Jersey Strong Personal Trainers are now professionally-certified in delivering high-quality One-on-One 30-Minute Stretch sessions (as part of our Personal Training program).
Looking to improve your physical performance? Reduce your injury risk and allow your body to work more effectively? Of course! We all are. How though? One-on-One Stretch Sessions. A study published in April found that regular stretching can enhance the muscle function of individuals with semi-limited or restricted mobility. So, whether you’re looking to improve your performance or simply want to do something that will keep your body nimble and healthy, our One-on-One Stretch Sessions can provide a myriad of benefits. Check out how many ways it can help below!
Improved Range of Motion and Coordination
A heightened range of motion is a huge benefit for individuals of all types. According to Mayo Clinic, when range of motion is increased, performance is also automatically enhanced—allowing you to do additional exercises and improving your overall weight and rep load. Not only that, an improved sense of coordination is a natural result of an increase in range of motion. Your balance vastly improves, preventing possible injuries that can be caused by loss of balance as you get older.
Decreased Stress
Lingering stress can create a number of undesirable problems in the body, including increased feelings of anxiety, lethargy and tension. It’s no coincidence that yoga is known for reducing stress. It utilizes and emphasizes the vast benefits of stretching. Just a short amount of time spent stretching can help you to feel rejuvenated and restored.
Increased Flexibility
Flexibility is one of the main foundations of fitness, right next to cardiovascular conditioning and wide-ranging strength training. Stretching causes muscle fibers to contract and then lengthen, providing your muscles with an influx in size during the process of strength training. Wondering why you’ve plateaued and can’t bulk up or see a change in overall strength? Stretching may be the key!
Increased Strength
As previously mentioned, stretching increases muscle mass, leading to an increase in strength. A study found that when participants combined stretching with their regular exercise routines, they increased their overall performance on a number of weight machines in the gym—as much as 32% for knee extension exercises and 15% for knee flexion exercises.
Increased Blood Flow & Circulation
This may very well be the most important benefit of stretching. Through circulation, blood travels from the heart and carries much needed oxygen to muscles and organs. Circulation is vital to your body to reach its maximum performance potential. Regular stretch and flexibility training can help to enhance blood flow and circulation, thereby allowing for the transportation of not only oxygen, but nutrient-rich blood throughout the body.
Reduced Pain and Stiffness
Muscular tension can increase pain and discomfort throughout the body. However, studies have shown that regularly integrating stretching into your fitness regimen can help to decrease stiffness, reduce pain levels and may even reduce the frequency and severity of muscle cramps. Whether at work, home, or in the car, we put constant tension and pressure on the body. The spinal column is designed to move, so hold it back!
Improved Posture
Bad posture is extremely common. Looking at our cell phones, slouching in our office chair or in the car—the negative effects that bad posture can have on our bodies is immense. Increased stress levels, vascular issues, problems with our digestive tracts, and bad moods are just a few that come to mind. Many individuals created the postural issue or were not taught proper posture when they were young, and when they try to correct the issue overnight, it can feel unnatural or uncomfortable. It takes baby steps to regain our natural stance. But by taking the proper precautions and abiding by the above, you increase the range of motion, lengthen the muscles and enhance your body holistically. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at what a difference it can make!
How We Can Help
All Jersey Strong Personal Trainers are professionally-certified in delivering high-quality One-on-One 30-Minute Stretch sessions. We’ve partnered with the “Godfather of Flexibility“, Roger Kraig, to develop a Stretching Certification specifically for Jersey Strong and our Trainers.
You may have noticed the stretch tables and signage located in your Jersey Strong location — that’s where the magic begins, and that is where we’ll be delivering high-quality One-on-One 30-Minute Stretch sessions — all part of the Jersey Strong Personal Training Department.
Looking to learn more? Click right here:
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