Ever feel stiff after sitting in front of a screen for a few hours? Or notice that you have to bend down more than once just to pick up a pencil?
Don’t worry if you have. That doesn’t mean something is wrong with you. It just means your muscles have tightened over time, which can make you feel less flexible.
Lack of flexibility can be more than just frustrating. For example, tight hamstrings (the muscles in the back of your thighs) can make walking difficult. Tight muscles also don’t support your joints well, which can increase your risk of injuries. Lack of flexibility is a problem for people of all ages. A common reason for tightened muscles is sitting at a desk for extended periods, whether at school, work, or while using a computer or a phone.
Stretching is one of the best ways to keep your muscles moving correctly. Most think of stretching as something for athletes, but everyone should stretch every day. Before stretching, do five to 10 minutes of light activity, such as walking, to get the blood moving to the focus area.
In general, stretch areas of your body that are often used when moving around, such as the calves, hamstrings, hip flexors in the pelvis, quadriceps in the thigh, shoulders, neck, and lower back. A doctor or physical therapist can help you figure out which areas to stretch and show you how to do it safely
Keep in mind that stretching should not be painful. Hold each stretch for at least 10 to 30 seconds and pay attention to your body’s response. A little tightness is okay, but if you feel sharp or lasting pain, it may be a sign of injury or damage. It may take weeks for you to notice increased flexibility. Because your body should last a lifetime, stretching should be a daily routine for life.
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