Men - You Need to Stretch More

Why flexibility is so Important As We Age:

1. Stretching Helps you Prevent Injuries

2. Moving Better is Masculine and Sexy

3. Relax and Sleep Better

4. Stretch and Make Gains

1. Stretching Helps you Prevent Injuries

There is a common myth touted in the gym that stretching is pointless and doesn't help guys with building big muscles. In fact, stretching helps to prevent injuries as you push your personal record (PR) in the gym. Stretching isn't seen as a masculine activity. However, stretching can help you prevent back pain, recover faster, and push yourself harder the next time you hit the weight rack.

Before you start your lifting sets, make sure you do some dynamic stretches where you are moving through your whole range of motion and loosening up your joints. 

After a workout, once the muscles are warm, you'll want to do static holds for 30 seconds or longer. This will build your flexibility and mobility over time. It also means you'll be less sore each time you challenge yourself with a heavier weight or try a new movement.

2. Moving Better is Masculine and Sexy

It's not sexy when you are doubling over in pain after a heavy leg day. Deadlifts are notorious for creating back pain and injuries when people start to get into the higher weight categories. We want you to keep hitting the weights and making progress, not take long breaks recovering from your last workout because you pulled something.

Inflexibility results in stiffness over time. What good is having big muscles if you can't even bend down to tie your shoelaces because of tight hamstrings?  

Poor posture and alignment can also result if you never stretch. This will create imbalances in your body where you may find pain in one shoulder more than the other. Our muscles will overcompensate if one side is tighter than the other. Often the tight side isn't the one overcompensating, it's the opposite side that isn't affected that experiences the pain and stiffness.

There's an increased risk of falls and injuries if you don't stretch as you age. Not only that, but your body takes much longer to recover which means chronic pain. 

You know what also sucks when you don't stretch? Getting a cramp while you're working out between the sheets! Those leg cramps can be a real buzzkill. So if you don't think stretching can help you outside of the gym, think again!

3. Relax and Sleep Better

If you don't have time to stretch during or after your workout, then build it into your sleep hygiene. Stretching before bed or waking up in the morning can help you relax so that you sleep better. Relieving tension in your neck and shoulders, especially if you work at a desk is very important. Tight hip flexors are often a result of sitting too long. By allowing your body to release tension, your back pain will also ease up.

A lot of men experience stress due to caregiving duties, work, and relationships. Stretching and being mindful can improve your mental health and allow you to get better sleep at night. Your body needs rest to repair itself. It's mandatory, not an option. People who lack sleep have a hard time with focus, maintaining relationships, eating well and getting enough exercise. The mental load can create a higher risk of insomnia which can allow weight to creep onto your body.

4. Stretch and Make Gains

Guys who want to build muscles are normally advised not to do static hold stretches before a workout. The issue with static holds is that you can decrease your ability to lift heavy because your muscles are worn out. However, doing static holds AFTER your workout is ideal. Stretching and lengthening fascia increases your ability to build muscle by over 300% in 28 days. So if you have found that you are stagnating on muscle growth and can't figure out why, this might be the culprit.

Being Bendy Unlocks Muscle Growth

Don't be like every guy out there that doesn't realize the importance of stretching. Without the added flexibility, you will experience more pain, stiffness and muscular imbalances as you age. It's not a question of whether you should stretch, it's just a question of when you can fit it in. There are yoga classes you can join if you are really bad at holding yourself accountable.

Working with a personal trainer means that you'll be doing mobility and stretching in every workout. Coaches know the importance of a holistic approach to fitness. One size doesn't fit all. Just because something works for a friend doesn't mean it'll work for you. If you want to know what it'll take your body to see results, get in touch and we can help you through that initial stage of getting motivated and stay committed to your health goals.

Book a physical assessment for $47+gst to get a report on actionable steps you can take to hit your goals, please call/text us at 1-825-945-7733, or fill out the online contact form today!