Search This Blog

Friday, April 8, 2011

The benefits of stretching

Stretching will improve appearance, flexibility, health, and overall performance. First, warm-up for 5-10 minutes at a low intensity (such as the elliptical machine, exercise bike, or treading mill) and stretch the muscles used.

If your workout time allows it, a cardiovascular exercise for at least 20 minutes at a faster pace is recommended. Then, a 5-10 minute cooldown at low intensity should be completed. cool down for 5-10 minutes at a low intensity (50-60 per cent of your maximum heart rate). Now that you've warmed up, you should stretch every major muscle group.

Why should you stretch?
 
It builds bigger, better-quality muscles.
Stretching helps prevent postural problems..
It results in far less muscle-pulling overextension injuries compared to not stretching.
Simple stretches increase range of motion.
It improves muscle appearance.
Flexibilty exercises help prevent overuse injuries from occuring.
Stretching gives you more flexibility, which prevents soreness, allowing for faster recovery and better muscle growth.
Stretching allows for a more active lifestyle later in life.
It invigorates the circulatory, respiratory and neuromuscular systems.