BLOOMINGTON, MINN. — According to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., stretching is a powerful part of an exercise program. Because most aerobic and strength training programs cause your muscles to contract and flex, it is important to stretch those muscles after a workout.

Ryne DeVries, DC, an assistant professor and faculty clinician at Northwestern Health Sciences University, says, “Everyone can benefit from stretching. Some of these benefits include: increasing flexibility, endurance and strength; improving range of motion of your joints; improving circulation; promoting better posture; relieving stress; re-energizing you; and helping prevent injury. Life is motion, so the more you move the better you feel.”

Dr. DeVries offers these tips to keep in mind while stretching:

• Warm up first;
• Stretch slowly;
• Stretching should never hurt or cause you any pain;
• Hold the stretch for at least 10 seconds;
• Target major muscle groups;
• Breathe slowly and naturally;
• Stretch each area more than once;
• Try to stretch even further with each stretch;
• Do not pulse or bounce; and
• A pulling or stretching sensation is normal.

According to Dr. DeVries, how often you stretch is up to you. Because you are using numerous muscles when you exercise, it is important to stretch in order to maintain flexibility. If you do not happen to exercise on a regular basis, it would be wise to stretch at least three times per week. If you are particularly sore in a certain area of your body, it is recommended that you stretch that spot at least once every day.

For additional resources on stretching, including examples and photos of proper stretching, go to http://www.nwhealth.edu/nns. The Web site focuses on natural approaches to health and wellness, and is hosted by Northwestern Health Sciences University. There, a link will take you to examples and photos of proper stretching on HealthyU.

Editor's note: The Natural News Service is a public information program provided by Northwestern Health Sciences University. If you choose to use this release, please attribute the information accordingly. The University offers a wide array of choices in natural health care education including chiropractic, Oriental medicine, acupuncture, massage therapy, and integrative health and wellness. The University has more than 900 students on a 25-acre campus in Bloomington, Minn.