On average someone dies of cardiovascular disease every 34 seconds.
Every 40 seconds someone will have a heart attack.
Strokes account for 1 in every 21 deaths in the US. (2024 data from heart.org)
Cardiovascular disease is still the number one cause of death in the world.
Despite all the scary statistics – there are things you can do to prevent it and I just came across a really easy one – stretching!
Research showed 4 weeks of consistent 30 minute sessions of stretching 5 days a week decreased arterial stiffness.
When you don’t stretch your arteries become stiff and decrease circulation.
Stiff arteries lead to increased blood pressure and other cardiovascular complications such as clotting. (Click HERE for this article)
Stretching was compared to exercise on this phenomenon and stretching even outperformed exercise!
I don’t recommend stopping exercising and going for stretching only but if you’re not exercising because it’s -11 outside (like it is here in WI) well you now have options!
For so long there’s been a debate on stretching not being beneficial in the fitness space but I’m here to tell you we now have proof the mechanical stretch receptors in your body want you to stretch.
Mobility work, fascial release, foam rolling and things of that nature for mobility still count, because there is a form of stretch in your techniques.
I recommend them before stretching to allow for easier stretching.
When is the best time to stretch?
Before and after a workout for a few minutes and do a longer session on a Sunday, like me.
3 sets of 20 second holds per muscle of a stretch are what have been found to be quite beneficial according to the research.
When exercise seems to be an insurmountable feat due to time, why not add in a little stretch?
The stretch mechanism helps promote vascular repair, maintenance and preservation of stretching capabilities.
It now seems the more mobile, limber and stretchy you are the better it is for your cardiovascular system.
Chinese Medicine always speaks to the power of keeping your circulation in tip top shape to ward off illness and age well.
Stretching seems to be a great way to destress and help your heart at the same time.
Here’s to keeping your blood pressure in check and your cardiovascular system in tip top shape,
Dr. J
