Wordnet, a lexical database from Princeton University defines stretching as �exercise designed to extend the limbs and muscles to their full extent�1.
What Happens in Stretching?
In stretching we are taking the ends of the muscle away from one another. As muscle is a contractile/elastic type tissue, it restores the range of motion to the joints of the body.
Why is this important?
Stretching provides the body with flexibility, one of the 4 components of physical fitness. According to Michael Alter, a gymnastics coach and judge, flexibility:2
- unifies the mind, body and spirt
- relaxes stress and tension
- relaxes tense muscles
- fosters self-discipline
- develops body poster and symmetry
- relieves low back pain
- relieves muscular soreness
- enhances physical and athletic skills
- decreases injury prevention
- is a rewarding activity
Bibliography
1 Wordnet, Princeton University Retrieved from: http://wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=stretching July 9, 2005
2 Alter, Michael J. Science of Stretching published by Human Kinetics 1988 pp.3-8
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