When you think of stretching, the first thing that comes to mind is loosening up your muscles before a workout. Maybe, you even think of it as just yoga. Believe it or not, stretching is an important factor in weight loss and a healthy lifestyle.
Stretching is a form of physical exercise in which a specific muscle or tendon (or muscle group) is deliberately flexed or stretched in order to improve the muscle’s felt elasticity and achieve a comfortable muscle tone.
There is much more that goes into a healthy lifestyle besides just eating healthy and exercising. Stretching is a powerful tool to help you reach and maintain a healthy weight in the long run.
How does stretching improve weight loss?
- Reduces muscle tension: This makes you feel less stressed and more relaxed mentally and physically. It can reduce the urge to stress eat.
- Increases blood circulation to your entire body: This will reduce the pain and soreness in the body.
- Improves coordination: You will feel stronger and more confident, which is key to a weight loss journey!
- Boosts energy levels: You will be happier and continue to move and eat healthy throughout your day.
Stretching helps you feel more relaxed, less stressed, and more mindful of what’s happening around you and the impact it’s having on your body.
“I feel like I don’t have time to stretch!” An excuse is just an excuse, and there are many ways to include stretching throughout your day. Although stretching is great before and after your workout, you can also add stretching while you’re watching tv on your couch after a long day. Lay down a yoga mat and begin stretching. You can watch tv, read a book, talk on the phone, it doesn’t matter.
Options Medical Weight Loss suggests trying to stretch every day for just a few minutes. Those few minutes can help your body in so many ways and help you maintain your weight loss journey. Happy stretching!