Regular movement and stretching can improve your balance and ability to live an active lifestyle. Even if you're short on time, these foundational healthy habits can be easily worked into your day and get you started on a healthy path.
"Flexibility is an important component of good health. Movement and stretching improve flexibility by increasing blood flow to muscles, increasing range of motion and decreasing stiffness," says Nicole Baker, PT, DPT, the Clinical Coordinator at Riverside Physical Therapy-Kiln Creek.
What counts as movement?
Don't get bogged down trying to perfect the latest fitness fad. When it comes to physical activity, any and all movement counts.
You don't have to run a half-marathon or take a cycling class to be healthy. Moving your body naturally throughout the day is a great way to get your heart rate up, build muscle, lose body fat and maintain balance. Many of the world’s healthiest populations don't go to the gym but instead have active lifestyles that require them to move daily.
All of these count toward your daily activity goals:
- Gardening
- Housecleaning
- Walking to the store or mailbox
- Mowing the lawn
- Standing while folding laundry
- Taking the stairs
- Parking far from your destination
- Walking to/from public transportation
"It can be tempting to get in a 30-minute workout and think you're finished moving for the day. But staying active throughout the day is just as important for good health," says Ms. Baker.
Stretching improves balance and may prevent injury
Like movement, stretching is important for keeping your body healthy. According to the American Council on Exercise, stretching has mental and physical health benefits.
Stretching can:
- Improve your circulation
- Increase your range of motion
- Decrease stiffness
- Reduce stress
- Prevent injury
- Relieve aches and pains
- Improve your posture
- Enhance athletic performance
- Decrease low back pain
For weekend warriors or people who like to get up and go with minimal preparation (think: kids), stretching can be important for injury prevention. Stretching increases blood flow to muscles and raises your body's core temperature. Cold muscles and tendons are more prone to injury. Stretching not only prepares your body for the activities to come but also makes an injury less likely.
Get started with movement and stretching today
Unlike gearing up for the latest fitness fad, you can start moving and stretching right away. To start reaping the rewards, work some movement into your days. If you're headed to an appointment or to the store, park in the back of the parking lot. If you need to mail a letter, take a walk to the post office.
If you have a difficult time walking or staying stable on your feet, talk to your doctor about how to incorporate movement that is safe for you.
Whether you are already very active or working towards more movement in your day, stretching can support your daily activity. If you're not sure how to start stretching, our Guide to Basic Stretches can help you start safely today.
