Stretching & Losing Weight: 5 Health Benefits of Stretching
Many people seek to lose unwanted weight but find it hard to see the correct outlet that works for them. If you’re one of those searching for ways to lose weight, you should consider stretching exercises.
Though stretching is not known for burning calories or making people sweat, it helps with weight loss. Learn more about stretching benefits by reading on.
Can Stretching Help You Lose Weight?
Most people believe that stretching can help them lose weight because of the stretching movement and the body positions that aid in this.
When you stretch, you’re increasing the workload on your muscles and joints. This encourages your body to adapt and work harder. As your body works hard, it becomes more active and works harder to burn fat and calories.
What Are the Benefits of Regular Stretching?
1. Enhance Your Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT)
Stretching can make you lose weight because it helps increase your NEAT. You can’t measure NEAT, but you can easily observe it. NEAT is the energy you burn when doing life activities, and all the activities you do that don’t fall under the usual exercise category.
The NEAT component of your metabolism plays a significant role in weight loss. When your metabolic rate increases, you burn more energy and burn more calories every day, which helps you lose more weight. This result is especially true when you stretch before engaging in your usual physical activities. This makes your body work harder and improves your overall performance.
2. Develop Joint Mobility
The components of your joints will not only be able to move with ease but will also be more flexible with stretching exercises.
The joints in your body allow you to move, bend and stretch. But if they’re stiff, they’ll be more resistant to motion and may even cause pain. If you develop joint mobility and range of motion, your joints will have more freedom to move, and your body will perform better.
3. Decrease Stress
Stretching exercises can help you lose weight because they give you a sense of relaxation. Stretching helps calm your mind, relieve your muscles from stress and let you be in the moment.
Breathing techniques mixed in with stretching can also help you release stress and achieve a sense of calmness. When you feel relaxed, you stop holding your breath, and your body can burn more calories.
4. Improve Your Mood
When you stretch, you can easily let out negative thoughts and feelings. You can also break a bad mood by stretching.
There is a direct relationship between mental health and physical health. When you feel good, you can take care of your body and live healthily. If you’re in a bad mood, on the other hand, you’ll find it harder to think about your body and your health.
5. Reduce Pain
Muscle and joint stiffness aren’t the only causes of pain. The overuse of muscles and joints can also lead to pain. The movement involved in stretching exercises helps you manage pain and sets the stage for a better state of health.
Your muscles and joints are more flexible and less prone to overuse and injury. The fact that you can reduce pain and manage your weight means you can enjoy a higher level of well-being.
Final Thoughts
Many people are working out and trying their best to lose weight. Luckily, there’s a way to fast-track your weight loss goals and maximise your workout’s effects. With the mere act of stretching, as long as it’s coupled with the right exercise and diet, you are helping yourself lose weight.
For stretching classes in Perth, check out Stretch Studio today. We offer one-on-one assisted stretching services to help you maximise its benefits. Book a stretch today to get started!