Small changes can add up to a big difference – and this undoubtedly applies to stretching. By adding a few minutes of stretching to your daily routine, you could see a significant increase in flexibility and a significant decrease in fatigue. When combined with workplace ergonomic assessments (which Encova Insurance can conduct), stretching can help reduce musculoskeletal disorders.
Benefits of regular stretching:
- Increases flexibility and joint range of motion
- Improves circulation and blood flow to your muscles, preparing you for activity
- Prevents your muscles from getting tight, allowing you to maintain proper posture
- Relaxes tight and tense muscles that often accompany stress
- Enhances coordination by maintaining range of motion in your joints, helping you keep better balance
Encova provides many resources with examples of proper stretches and how to perform them safely, like our stretching poster and our stretching info card.
While stretching, it’s important to follow these safety tips.
- Don’t bounce when performing a stretch; hold your stretch for the full duration.
- Focus on a pain-free stretch; if you feel pain, you’ve gone too far.
- Relax and breathe freely; don’t hold your breath while stretching.