Getting By
Share
Tweet
Stress and/or keeping your body in one position for an extended amount of time, such as sitting, negatively impacts muscles by causing them to get tense and tight. Tight muscles can make daily activities such as standing, bending or walking difficult.
Keeping your muscles flexible is important for maintaining mobility and independence of performing your daily activities. Our muscles can be compared to rubber bands. The longer and more elastic the rubber band, the more force it can endure and the less likely it will break. When muscles and joints are flexible, it allows your body to move more easily preventing injury. If your joints and muscles are stiff and weak, it can be difficult and painful to move, as well as you increase the risk of injuring yourself.
Flexibility can be improved and maintained through stretching on a regular basis and proper execution of stretching. It is key to remember to warm up your muscles such as walking five to ten minutes before stretching and do not bounce while holding the stretch.
Additional benefits to stretching include increased blood flow to muscles and joints which can assist in the decrease of joint stiffness. Stretching releases tension thus relaxing muscles. Many individuals who experience lower back pain have greatly reduced their symptoms through stretching their quadriceps, hamstrings, lower back musacles and/or hip flexors.
Before beginning any physical activity program, including stretching, please seek advice from a physical therapist, your doctor or other qualified clinician. Based on your individual situation and goals, they will customize a safe and effective program for you.
For additional information, contact Janell at the Chouteau County Extension Office at 622-3036, janellb@montana.edu or in the green building next to the Chouteau County Courthouse at 1308 Franklin St in Fort Benton.
Follow us on Facebook @ChouteauCountyExtension to keep up to date on what is happening in Chouteau County Extension and 4-H.
Montana State University, US Department of Agriculture and Montana Counties Cooperating. MSU Extension is an equal opportunity/affirmative action provider of educational outreach.
