What Happens When You Don’t Stretch?

If your muscles could talk, they’d be saying, “Stretch Me!”. People who maintain an active lifestyle would head down to the gym after a long day at work. Once they’ve put in a good hour of workout, they would want to get home, enjoy their dinner, and relax before getting a good night’s sleep.

If you’re one of those who jet home after an invigorating workout, you might want to incorporate a post-workout stretch into your fitness routine. Experts agree that forgetting to stretch your muscles after a run or a session at a gym could do your body more harm than good.

What Happens to Your Body When You Fail to Stretch?

Your Mobility Will Be Drastically Reduced

Did you know that your muscles can be compared to a rubber band? In case you’re not aware, new rubber bands tend to snap in half when you try to extend them. Conversely, the more you use the rubber bands, the stronger and more flexible they become. Likewise, stretching your muscles regularly will improve their flexibility and enhance your joints’ range of motion. Failing to stretch your muscles will cause your joints and muscles to reduce their mobility. 

Your Risk for Injury Increases

When the mobility of your joints and muscles become limited, your chances of sustaining an injury will automatically increase. In fact, this is what usually happens to runners who don’t stretch after their run or workout. The constant stress that they place on their muscles will lead to greater chances of getting themselves injured.

Your Body Will Become More Vulnerable to Muscle Pain and Tightness

Without regular stretching, your body gets cold, and your muscles tighten up. Eventually, your muscles will pull on your joints and trigger significant pain and discomfort. 

“Stretch Me Now!”

Your hamstrings, quadriceps, or hip flexors must be begging you to “stretch me!” Book your FREE 30-minute stretch at Stretch Zone today.