Stretching is one of those things that is often forgotten about during a workout. This is especially true if you are working out on your own and not following a class or fitness program on dvd. I have even been guilty of not stretching or stretching cold muscles. When I did stretch I would do a few arm and leg stretches before working out. Over time I learned that wasn’t the best way to stretch.
Stretching while your muscles are cold could lead to tearing and muscle strain. Cold muscles do not have sufficient blood supply and are not as flexible. A better time to stretch is after a warm-up of light exercises. A warm-up increases blood flow to your muscles making them more pliable. It’s also important to keep your stretching light to moderate as over stretching may cause injury as well.
Dynamic stretching is one way to stretch while warming-up at the same time. This type of stretching consists of controlled leg and arm swings that take you to a comfortable limit of your range of motion. Examples would be walking lunges, arm circles, walking high knees, and side bends.
Good warm-up exercises before stretching could include alternating knee raises, jumping jacks, and squats. It’s important to stretch so remember to warm-up beforehand and avoid stretching cold muscles.
Yours in Health,
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