Scientifically performed workout emphasizes on stretching exercise before and after workout. For any kind of workout like aerobics, weightlifting or cardio exercise, your body has to be prepared first and that is what stretching exercise does. It helps reduce the body stiffness and relax the muscles improving their flexibility for various movements. Proper stretching eases the blood circulation in the body increasing the body temperature up to the level just suitable for the beginning of workout.



Stretching exercise after the workout has yet another important role to play. After workout, the blood circulation fastens and body temperature increases. Some exercises cause muscle tightening. A 30-60 second stretch cools the body down and relaxes the muscles. However, it does not mean that these are the only times one can do stretching exercise. Anybody, anywhere and anytime can do stretching exercise unless otherwise prohibited for any health concern.

Modern fitness programmes include proven stretching exercises literally for every part of the body. Appropriate body posture is very important factor to be considered while performing stretching exercises. Unless the posture is appropriate and comfortable, it may cause serious injury to the muscles. Concentrating on any pleasant object like a flower or a picture helps attain the right posture. Unlike some yoga positions, simple stretching does not require holding breath. In fact, it is the combination of relaxing the body and at the same time maintaining normal breathing.

Stretching also helps improving balance, co-ordination and concentration. Therefore, athletes and sportsmen prefer to do regular stretching exercise. It helps them keep their stamina high, heal the muscle pain occurred during sports and improve their balance while making fast movements.

However, it has no longer remained limited for the body builders and sportsmen. Stretching has been found to be a natural anti-aging therapy. A good news for those who wish to remain young and fit for a long time. Those who do regular stretching exercise, look younger than their counterparts who always give excuses of time and place for not exercise. Moreover, you do not have to have even an hour or a big place for stretching. It is just a matter of few minutes that is going to help you last your stamina all day long.

In our modern lifestyle, we sacrifice our time on fulfilling the professional and social commitments but we do not have time to relax. It is becoming practically impossible day-by-day spending hours together working out in health club or burning calories on sports grounds. But the stressed-out body and mind only know that they need relaxation and stretching exercise is definitely a good option. Ultimately it is not about being just physically fit and young looking but it is all about feeling a sense of peace and well-being.

The benefits of stretching exercises can summarized as below:

- Reduces body stiffness

- Relaxation to the muscles which improves movements flexibility

- Eases the blood circulation in the body

- Adjust the level of body temperature to begin heavy workout

- Improves body balance and co-ordination

- Improves concentration

The sooner, the better... Starting stretching exercise right now is a wise decision that stretching the plan to next week, next month or next year.