Posted By Cotnam, Donna
As much as I promote physical activity, working out on a regular basis and living an active lifestyle, I will be the first to admit that I do not work out every day.
The one thing however, that I do every day is stretch.
I personally feel that stretching is the most important thing you can do for your body.
Stretching enhances your flexibility and co-ordination, as well it improves the muscles 'response time' or reaction.
Muscles and connective tissues shorten over time and that results in less flexibility.
If your muscles have gone some time without being used, they tend to become weaker and rather stiff.
The risk of injury is therefore increased when you call on your muscles to perform suddenly.
Regular stretching exercises to lengthen and strengthen your muscles can reduce your risk of injury.
A warmup prior to any workout has always been recommended.
This should extend to any strenuous physical activity that you are about to engage in (shovelling, gardening, chopping wood).
A warmup is usually comprised of some 'loco-motor' movements such as a few minutes on some stationary cardio equipment, walking or a light jog, combined with stretching exercises for the major muscles. Keep in mind of course that you want to try and avoid too much intense stretching before a muscle is warmed up.
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Prior to your activity, any stretching you perform should be what we refer to as 'dynamic' or active.
This means that the stretch is not held for any length of time.
A common mistake that is made during stretching exercises is to bounce as you stretch.
Bouncing is a rather 'sudden' shock to the muscle and again the result will be injury.
Your muscle will be far better off with a slow and gradual 'push'.
As your flexibility improves your body becomes accustom to the stretches.
Holding a stretch at its extended limit, while at the same time relaxing the muscle will improve your flexibility.
These 'static' stretches are best done after a very physical workout when the muscles are warm.
When you stretch, it is not uncommon to feel a 'pulling' sensation. If this feeling is accompanied with pain, then you need to stop or reduce the intensity at which you are stretching.
Always stretch within your comfort zone and try not to hold your muscles tight and intense. Try to let your muscles relax.
Regular stretching helps to reduce stress and high blood pressure and ensures that the body's 'systems' function better.
Like exercise, regular stretching increases blood flow feeding more oxygen to the muscle and organs thus enabling better performance.
Stretching before, during and after intense physical activity will help to keep you injury-free.
Make sure that your stretching program covers all the major muscle groups. Happy Stretching!!
If you have any fitness related questions please send them along to The Daily Observer or e-mail fitmom@hotmail.com
As much as I promote physical activity, working out on a regular basis and living an active lifestyle, I will be the first to admit that I do not work out every day.
The one thing however, that I do every day is stretch.
I personally feel that stretching is the most important thing you can do for your body.
Stretching enhances your flexibility and co-ordination, as well it improves the muscles 'response time' or reaction.
Muscles and connective tissues shorten over time and that results in less flexibility.
If your muscles have gone some time without being used, they tend to become weaker and rather stiff.
The risk of injury is therefore increased when you call on your muscles to perform suddenly.
Regular stretching exercises to lengthen and strengthen your muscles can reduce your risk of injury.
A warmup prior to any workout has always been recommended.
This should extend to any strenuous physical activity that you are about to engage in (shovelling, gardening, chopping wood).
A warmup is usually comprised of some 'loco-motor' movements such as a few minutes on some stationary cardio equipment, walking or a light jog, combined with stretching exercises for the major muscles. Keep in mind of course that you want to try and avoid too much intense stretching before a muscle is warmed up.
Advertisement
Prior to your activity, any stretching you perform should be what we refer to as 'dynamic' or active.
This means that the stretch is not held for any length of time.
A common mistake that is made during stretching exercises is to bounce as you stretch.
Bouncing is a rather 'sudden' shock to the muscle and again the result will be injury.
Your muscle will be far better off with a slow and gradual 'push'.
As your flexibility improves your body becomes accustom to the stretches.
Holding a stretch at its extended limit, while at the same time relaxing the muscle will improve your flexibility.
These 'static' stretches are best done after a very physical workout when the muscles are warm.
When you stretch, it is not uncommon to feel a 'pulling' sensation. If this feeling is accompanied with pain, then you need to stop or reduce the intensity at which you are stretching.
Always stretch within your comfort zone and try not to hold your muscles tight and intense. Try to let your muscles relax.
Regular stretching helps to reduce stress and high blood pressure and ensures that the body's 'systems' function better.
Like exercise, regular stretching increases blood flow feeding more oxygen to the muscle and organs thus enabling better performance.
Stretching before, during and after intense physical activity will help to keep you injury-free.
Make sure that your stretching program covers all the major muscle groups. Happy Stretching!!
If you have any fitness related questions please send them along to The Daily Observer or e-mail fitmom@hotmail.com
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