Regular stretching keeps muscles long, lean and flexible which is important to maintain a range of motion in the joints. HarvardEdu Improved flexibility and mobility can enhance everyday performance.
Stretching also helps to lubricate your joints, allowing your body to move more freely and with less pain while restoring muscle balance and promoting circulation. Vitacost
Tension due to mental and emotional triggers can also be reduced by stretching. MassageMag
Assisted or Partner stretching is a technique where one person helps another person stretch. It has been used for athletic training for many years and is growing in popularity with the general public. At stretch centers like StretchLab and StretchZone trained professionals manipulate your muscles and joints. MassageMag
Assisted stretching can help you stretch at angles that are different from the ones you are able to perform on your own. It can also increase range of motion. Assisted stretching is an effective way to stretch if you have a hard time relaxing while stretching. Vitacost Muscles are most easily stretched when they are relaxed.* A partner can also provide motivation and help you vary your workout.
For Valentines Day you should try stretching with your partner. It is good for you and a fun way to spend time with your Valentine. Give it a try!
Assisted Stretching Video
*Coburn, Jared W., Malek, Moh H., ed. NSCA’s Essentials of Personal Training. 2nd ed. Human Kinetics, 2004, pps. 13.
