Just in case some veterans have forgotten or some newcomers need to know, stretching is a very important part of exercising. Here is a little bit of helpful beginner information on stretching:
How to Stretch
-
Your best bet is to stretch after your workout when your muscles are warm and you’re ready for a cool down. You don’t have to stretch before your workout, but if you do make sure you do it after the warm up. Stretching cold muscles can cause injury.
-
When doing static stretches, don’t bounce. Hold a comfortable position until you feel a gentle pull on your muscle. It shouldn’t hurt, and bouncing could cause you to pull a muscle.
-
Try to hold each stretch for 15-30 seconds to get some long-term flexibility benefits.
-
You can also stretch between strength training sets and you may want to perform light stretches throughout the day to deal with tight shoulders, neck and lower back.
-
When you stretch after the workout, try to hit all the muscles you used, paying close attention to any chronically tight areas.
Yoga
-
Yoga is another way to stretch your body while also working on balance, endurance and stress relief. Adding yoga to your routine a few times a week is a nice compliment to strength training and cardio, giving you a gentle, soothing way to work your body and mind. .
— Holly
Print | posted on Monday, January 12, 2009 10:44 AM