6 reasons why you must do stretching every morning during winter

Winter mornings are tough since the cold temperatures tempt one to stay bundled up in bed. However, a morning stretching routine added to the winter schedule can greatly benefit your physical health and overall well-being. Here are six compelling reasons why stretching every morning during winter is a must:

1. Improve blood circulation

According to Kushal Pal Singh, Fitness and Performance Expert at Anytime Fitness, “Stretching enhances circulation, where blood vessels expand to open up in your muscles. There is more oxygen and nutrient delivery to your muscles to warm up, aside from relaxing the stiffness that is commonly observed when it is extremely cold. Healthy muscles due to increased circulation also raise energy levels altogether, which will make you feel invigorated enough to get up and become more energetic.”

2. Enhance mobility

Stretching increases the elasticity of the muscles and the mobility of the joints. This will mean that your muscles have better movements because they stretch and contract more efficiently. Stretching also helps in maintaining or increasing your range of motion, thus making movement smoother and easier. This is particularly important in winter since colder temperatures make your muscles and joints feel tighter than usual.

3. Flexibility of muscles

Cold temperatures constrict muscles, making people feel uncomfortable or restricted once they move. Stretching is an antidote of this because it stretches your muscles gently which will relax them and remove every form of tension. At morning time, stretching reduces your stiffness and makes your body more agile and less tight in the day.

4. Speed up muscle recovery

According to Arpit Sharma, Personal Trainer, Sports and Exercise Nutritionist, “Stretching rejuvenates tired or overstressed muscles by providing better blood flow to the concerned areas. Blood flow improves the delivery of enough nutrients and oxygen to the muscle tissues, accelerating recovery significantly. It makes no difference whether it’s caused by strenuous exercise or day-to-day stress. This morning stretching will have the muscles to recover much more quickly, with much lesser pain.”

5. Ensure good posture

Bad postures result from sitting for a long period or bending over to keep warm. Stretching straightens up your body since it elongates the tight muscles, keeping the spine in the proper position. This can, therefore, gradually help enhance your posture, as you are now more confident with less chance of experiencing pain in your back and neck.
6. Prepare the body for physical activities
Cold muscles are most prone to injury, especially during winter mornings. Warm-up must include the stretching for the body, thus preparing the muscles for different daily activities from performing light house chores to heavy workouts. It readies and warms the muscles; thus, there is less possibility of injuries aside from ensuring that your body functions well.
It is not an easy habit, but it is a life investment in your health to stretch every morning during the winter season. The improvement in circulation of blood and enhanced mobility helps reduce stiffness; recovery is speedy with

good posture

. This puts your body in shape for work and keeps you active the whole winter season by providing you with much-needed energy throughout the day. Make the morning stretch a part of your everyday routine and enjoy it.