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Stretching

Sep. 30 2021 Safety By Pattison Agriculture

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Importance of Stretching at Work:

No matter what it is you do for work, from sitting at a desk and working on a computer or working in the shop. Everyone needs time to stretch, it is a good way to give your body a break from the hard days work. It is important for everyone to understand the benefits to stretch, when you should stretch, the risks of not stretching, and lastly some ways to stretch.

Benefits of Stretching at Work:

There are many benefits to stretching and here are just a few to think about:

  • Reduces fatigue by increasing bloody supply and nutrients to the muscles.
  • Prevents muscle strain.
  • Improves posture.
  • Increases muscle coordination and balance.
  • Increases range of motion.
  • Helps to heal and prevent back pain.
  • Relives stress.
  • Calms the mind.

When to Stretch:

Stretching can be done anywhere, from stretching in your chair at your desk, standing up and moving around a small area. You can stretch at any time, whenever you feel your body needs it. Depending on your job and your body some people may feel that they need to stretch more often. A good time to take a really good stretch is on your lunch break, when you have a little bit more time to get a good strong stretch in.


Risks of Not Stretching:

Stretching has many benefits, but not stretching has even more risks here are just a few:

  • Muscles may shorten and become very tight.
  • You may find yourself feeling tired.
  • You may have joint pain
  • Back pain may become a problem, and it may worsen.
  • Poor posture
  • Motion may be limited.
  • May affect the performance and outcome of your job.

Stretching techniques:

Here are a few stretching techniques that can be done anywhere:

  • Stand up and touch your toes a few times.
  • Arm circles.
  • For lower back pain, sit in your chair sideways, and grab on to the first leg and twist your body.
  • To open your hips put one leg across your lap and then lean forward.
  • To open shoulders, sit straight up put on hand behind you and put the other over your head like a rainbow.

Stretching is a very easy quick task, but it can go a long way. By taking 5 minutes out of your day, you could be saving yourself a lot of pain and potential injury.