It’s a hot debate in the health and fitness community: do you need to stretch before a workout? If you ask your masseuse, they’ll tell you the answer is a resounding yes. Honolulu’s premier shiatsu massage therapy center, Aisen Chiryo Doin, encourages everyone to stretch before they begin their workout, and clarifies why the practice is so essential for the health of your muscles, tendons, and ligaments. 

Masseuse Stretching Tips 

Stretching allows your muscles the chance to become loose and flexible before your workout begins. As they gently stretch, they provide a wider range of motion and are less prone to injury during your game or class.

How To Stretch 

Once you warm up, stretch before you run, swim, or lift weights. Focus primarily on the muscle groups you will use during your fitness session, and hold each position for eight to 10 seconds.

How Stretching Helps 

When you stretch before a workout, you protect your body from a variety of risks such as joint strains, muscle strains, and soreness. Stretching also reduces the risk of back ailments, promotes circulation, and increases the practice of skilled movements. 

When To Avoid Stretching 

While shiatsu massage experts recommend stretching regularly, do not stretch if you have a fracture, strain, sprain, osteoporosis, or a disease of the skin or blood. Ask your masseuse or doctor about stretching if you experience pain, have an inflamed joint, or have a limited range of motion. 

Regular stretch exercises are a great addition to your warmup and workout routine and keep your muscles healthy. To further prepare your muscles for athletics and fitness, call the masseuse team at Aisen Chiryo Doin in Honolulu, HI, at (808) 596-7354. For more information about their massage treatments and their health benefits, visit their website.