Stretching is usually an afterthought when it comes to workouts. There are many schools of thought on when to stretch or if it is truly important. And whether or not it helps in flexibility, improved athletic performance, or prevention of injury.
I believe that stretching helps get blood flow in the muscles as well as help in the rehabilitation of an injured muscle under the care of your primary care provider. Daily stretching can also improve or preserve flexibility as we get older and helps prevent injuries during any activity. For those with range of motion problems, gentle stretching can improve range of motion which also helps prevent injuries such as tendonitis.
Before starting any exercise program, consult with your primary care provider to insure you are fit to exercise and do not have any underlying issues.
When starting out, do some gentle warm up exercises such as walking for 10 to 15 minutes before stretching or wait unill you come to the end of your workout. Make sure you feel a stretch and hold the stretch for 10 to 60 seconds. If you feel pain, you are over stretching or hyper-extending the muscles and need to back out of the stretch. Stretching should not be painful. After a work out, be sure to do some gentle cool down stretches.
For more information on stretching, please visit :
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fitness/MY00396/DSECTION=stretching-and-flexibility
I believe that stretching helps get blood flow in the muscles as well as help in the rehabilitation of an injured muscle under the care of your primary care provider. Daily stretching can also improve or preserve flexibility as we get older and helps prevent injuries during any activity. For those with range of motion problems, gentle stretching can improve range of motion which also helps prevent injuries such as tendonitis.
Before starting any exercise program, consult with your primary care provider to insure you are fit to exercise and do not have any underlying issues.
When starting out, do some gentle warm up exercises such as walking for 10 to 15 minutes before stretching or wait unill you come to the end of your workout. Make sure you feel a stretch and hold the stretch for 10 to 60 seconds. If you feel pain, you are over stretching or hyper-extending the muscles and need to back out of the stretch. Stretching should not be painful. After a work out, be sure to do some gentle cool down stretches.
For more information on stretching, please visit :
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fitness/MY00396/DSECTION=stretching-and-flexibility