New Study on the
Benefits of Stretching

Most people aren't truly aware of the obvious benefits of stretching and how it can improve one's flexibility...but is that all it can do?

There has been a very recent study into this question and the results could very well change your whole outlook on stretching in general.

There are many people out in the world doing their very best to stay fit and healthy. Although this is a lot easier these days with all the information available, it can also be hindrance.

On the internet and in books and magazines there are lots of contradictions with regards to what is good for you and what isn't. So when it comes to understanding the benefits of stretching it can be quite confusing.

What you will gain from this article:

• What Was the Purpose of the Study?
• What Did the Study Consist of?
• What Was the Result of the Study?
• What Does it All Mean?

The results of this study could very well change your whole outlook on stretching in general.

What Was the Purpose of the Study?

The study was made with the intention of ascertaining how prominent the benefits to stretching actually were.

Does stretching increase you ability to move more freely and that alone? Were there any other benefits that had been overlooked in the past by others?

These were the burning questions that needed to be answered. It was a professor of kinesiology at Louisiana State University named Arnold Nelson that was the author of the report.

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What Did the Study Consist of?

So what exactly was the study and how did it go about concluding the benefits of stretching.

A total of 38 individuals were chosen for the study. Each one of these people was of a similar physical condition, all being what is known as 'couch potatoes'.

For a period of 10 weeks one group did absolutely no stretching, while another group underwent and intensive series of stretching sessions that lasted for about 40 minutes a day.

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What Was the Result of the Study?

What the study found was very interesting indeed.

In addition to increasing flexibility it was found that stretching also improved many other things connected with training and general well-being.

The group of people that engaged in the stretching routines made significant improvements in some cases. The distance, at which they could stretch their bodies, increased by 18% on average.

However, this was not the only area where stretching benefits were shown. There was also an increase in the participants overall strength. In some areas of strength there were increases of up to 32%, this being knee extension exercises.

Individuals' vertical jump saw a boost of 7% and how far they could leap was up 2%.

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What Does it All Mean?

So in the end what we can conclude is the benefits of stretching do exist and are substantial.

Despite this, one has to keep in mind that the people involved in this particular study stretched for up to 40 minutes a day. This is way more than what anyone would do after some training.

Therefore it is advised that stretching is most effective when incorporated into your existing training routine in order to maximize its effect.

By picking up a copy of the Stretching handbook and DVD you can find out what stretches are best for you and learn the benefits of stretching.

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Article by Brad Walker and The Stretching Institute. Brad is a leading stretching and sports injury consultant with more than 20 years experience in the health and fitness industry. Get more articles on stretching, flexibility and sports injury management here.
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