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Stretching is a part of a good workout process.

Stretching, also called flexibility exercise, refers to one of the four types of exercises called the balance, strength, endurance.

Harvard Health Publishing (Par 1) defines stretching as a type of physical exercise in which a particular tendon or muscle get flexed or stretched deliberately to improve the muscle feeling of elasticity and accomplish comfortable tone for the muscles.

This article discusses the difference between stretching and exercising and their benefits.

What’s the difference between stretching versus exercise?

Harvard Health Publishing (Par 3) argues with flexibility, one enjoys the freedom of movement and enables one to adapt and work in a confined environment for a long time without suffering discomfort.

The best time to perform stretching is when the muscles have warmed up so that to create room for farther stretching without suffering pain due to tightness.

The benefits of stretching include keeping muscles active, flexible, and healthy while maintaining the range of movement in our joints (Gasibat et al., 29).

For example, through stretching, one can control weight and prevent obesity. As a result, one can move to different places and corners without facing challenges emanating from walking.

In children, stretching helps to strengthen muscle and bones, thus decreasing the risk of bone density loss in old age Harvard Health Publishing (Par. 5).

Also, stretching keeps muscles relaxed, thus enhanced movement without straining joints and having pains.

Furthermore, stretching leads to the development of healthy joints for bones and muscles. As a result, healthy bones and muscle can perform or support severe physical exercise without getting injuries.

Gasibat et al., (P. 33) argues that inadequate stretching results to shortening and tightening of muscle hence the increased risk of pains, strains, and damages of the muscle joints. For instance, sitting for an extended period results in tightening of the hamstring, quads, and hip flexors. Tight muscles inhibit walking, straightening of the knee, and extension of limbs.

Exercise

The term exercise refers to physical activity that is well structured, planned, and done repetitively to accomplish conditioning to have good health, wellness, and overall body fitness (Hernández, P, 660).

Exercise includes cardiovascular conditioning, resistance and strength training, and flexibility exercises. There are several benefits of engaging in regular exercises. First, it helps in strengthening of muscles, bones, and joints.

In this regard, engaging in exercise is vital especially for the growth of children as it exposes bones and muscle to strenuous exercise, thus making muscle tough or adapted for robust activities (Semeco, par.3).

In addition, regular exercises prevent from loss of bone mass in old age and maintain muscle strength and mass (Semeco, par.3). As a result, strong muscle and bones reduce the cases of injuries that may affect people who lead a sedentary life. Concerning stability, exercise helps in lowering the rate of falls in adults, particularly people who engage in the balancing and aerobic activities.

The other benefit relates to increased blood flow and circulation in the body. In this case, regular exercise maintains the body weight that is by shedding off excessive fats that accumulate inside veins and arteries, thus hindering the blood circulation (Semeco, par.1). Therefore, exercise helps in preventing diseases such as childhood obesity, heart attacks, and coronary artery disease.

What, Where, When, Why and How To Stretch

Check out our recent video covering the what, where, when, why & how to stretch.

Conclusion

Exercise is the planned, repeated, and structured physical activity that people engage in order to accomplish wellness, health, and desired body fitness.

Stretching refers to one category of exercise where people engage in this activity to get tendon or muscle flexed to improve the muscle feeling of elasticity and accomplish a relaxed tone for the muscles.

The benefits exercises are the formation of healthy bones, muscles, and joints, thus reduced risks injuries. Therefore, it is vital for every person to engage regularly in physical activities to keep the body fit and healthy.

Our approach

At Synergy Wellness Chiropractic and Physical Therapy in New York City, we approach stretching and strengthening in stages, depending on the type of injury and severity.

We also use various techniques to stretch the muscles and soft tissue. For example, we use vibration to relax and stretch thicker paraspinal muscles, and ART ( Active Release Technique ),  as well as the Pettibon PTLMS (professional Tendon, Ligament, muscle, Stimulator ).

Work Cited

• Harvard Health Publishing. “The Importance of Stretching.” Harvard Health, www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-importance-of-stretching.Accessed 5/20/2019.
• Gasibat, Qais, et al. “Stretching exercises to prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders: A review article.” AJSSM5.2 (2017): 27-37.
• Hernández, Salma SS, et al. “What are the benefits of exercise for Alzheimer’s disease? A systematic review of the past 10 years.” Journal of aging and physical activity 23.4 (2015): 659-668.
• Semeco, Arlene. “The Top 10 Benefits of Regular Exercise.” Healthline, Healthline Media, www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-benefits-of-exercise. Accessed 5/20/2019.