| How often have you heard someone preach about | | | | some general tips: |
| the benefits of stretching to a fitness routine? I | | | | * Include all major muscle groups. |
| imagine the answer to that question is many times. | | | | * Hold stretching position for a minimum of 10 |
| The irony of how many times this is discussed and | | | | seconds, building duration as your stretching routing |
| the benefits cited, is that it is rare for individuals to | | | | progresses. |
| incorporate stretching into their routines. | | | | * Repeat stretches 2-3 times, with a rest period |
| If muscles are tight, performance is inhibited and your | | | | equal to the stretch time performed (i.e.: 10 seconds |
| body does not feel at its best. The reason is that | | | | stretch, 10 seconds rest). |
| tight muscles are a sign of weak muscles. This can | | | | * Perform static stretches, slowly move into the |
| be weakness in the tight muscles or in their | | | | stretch position and hold for a set period of time. Do |
| antagonists, muscles that perform the opposing | | | | not perform bouncing or rapid movements. Move into |
| actions. No matter what way you look at it, if there | | | | and out of stretches slowly and with care. |
| are tight muscles that are not kept healthy and | | | | If you have chronic muscle tensions or specific sports |
| elongated, you will diminish your ability to effectively | | | | performance objectives, it is important to develop |
| reach your strength training and or overall health and | | | | awareness of the specific muscles in your body that |
| wellness goals. | | | | need stretching. This can be accomplished in a variety |
| Research has shown that regular, intense stretching | | | | of ways through personal body awareness, working |
| for a minimum of 10 minutes can lead to increased | | | | with a Massage Therapist and/or other skilled |
| strength and endurance in addition to improved | | | | healthcare professionals trained in anatomy and |
| flexibility and mobility. | | | | physiology. With the knowledge in hand of specific |
| It is important to note that there is a fairly common | | | | muscles that you are looking to target in your |
| misconception that has developed about both Pilates | | | | stretching routine, you then can identify a well trained |
| and Yoga being exercise forms that will meet | | | | Athletic Trainer, Pilates, Yoga or other fitness |
| stretching needs. While there is truth in the | | | | instructor for stretching options for targeting these |
| statement that both of these exercise platforms | | | | muscles. There are also a variety of books and |
| offer some stretching, that is not their main focus. | | | | Internet resources for information on stretching |
| If you are thinking of starting to incorporate | | | | specific muscles. |
| stretching and you are just starting out, below are | | | | |