Seventh Inning Stretch
Baseball season is often synonymous with the arrival of spring. The actual origin of the seventh inning stretch dates back to 1869 when spectators would get up and stretch their legs to relieve their discomfort from the hard benches. Some say the managers invented it as a way to stall for time as the relief pitcher warmed up. Others believe this time of stretching brings a win for their team the number seven is equated with good luck.
Many already practice healthy lifestyle behaviors by going to the gym for regular exercise, eating a nutritious diet and getting ample rest. However, many do not take the time to stretch before and after exercise, missing out on benefits that include enhanced flexibility and adaptability of your musculoskeletal system — your bones, muscles, and joints.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the top five benefits of stretching are:
Increased flexibility and joint range of motion.
Improved circulation because stretching increases blood flow to your muscles which then become nourished and flush out the toxins and waste.
Improved posture which in turn prevents the muscles from tightening up which can cause discomfort and pain.
Enhanced coordination, a benefit as we age so that we can maintain full range of motion and balance to prevent falls and injuries.
Reduced stress because stretching is a way to relax tense muscles.
The Mayo Clinic provides tips for proper stretching:
If your muscles are cold from non-activity, you need to warm up by walking and pumping your arms or do another form of exercise at low intensity.
A stretch should be held for at least 30 seconds, and it is even better to do it for one minute in order to lengthen muscle tissue safely.
Many people use the technique of bouncing when stretching and this can cause micro-tears in the muscle which will form scar tissue as the muscle heals. This can lead to injury and decrease your degree of flexibility.
It is important to breathe as you stretch, and if you do experience any sensation of pain, modify the stretch until the pain has diminished.
Remember to address both sides of your body during your routine of stretching.
Many of us are often in a hurry and so we skip stretching because. after all, stretching doesn’t burn that many calories. However, flexible muscles give us full range of motion and protection from injury.
In addition to a regular regimen of stretching, it is equally important to seek regular chiropractic care in order to detect, analyze and correct spinal adjustments. Misalignments can cause muscles, ligaments and joints to become damaged and irritate the spinal nerves. Combining stretching and chiropractic visits provides benefits for optimum well-being. Remember, don’t just stretch during the seventh inning, incorporate stretching into your daily routine of a healthy lifestyle.
