Description

Stretching can be done both in a pre-workout(warm-up) and post-workout (cool down) fashion. Which you do isreally up to you. Some athletes swear by the results they get intheir performance and the lack of injury if they stretch beforetheir workout. Others only stretch afterwards and, as you mightexpect, there are also those who stretch both before and after theywork out. Research on what exactly you should be doing is prettythin so here we are in the practical experience territory.Basically stretching should be part of your training. How youperform it however will depend on when you actually stretch:

Pre-workout: If you're stretching before your workout beginsremember that your muscles are not warmed up yet. Your stretchingroutine is designed to help them warm up so, no sharp, suddenmoves. No forcing muscles to stretch beyond comfortable points. Donot use "bouncy" motion to force a stretch, that's how you normallyget injuries. Do not manually manipulate your muscles (beat themwith your fists, massage them or otherwise pull them) as youstretch. That will definitely lead to injuries so care and beingsensible are both key here.

Post-workout: If you're stretching after a workout your musclesare already warmed up. Stretching now actually uses the plasticityof the muscles to help you achieve flexibility gains. The trickhere is to start slowly and build up. If you're stretching yourhamstrings or your adductors (the inside of your thighs) now's thetime to actually go a little bit further than before. Do itgradually but do push against your normal stretching limits. Gainsyou make here will stay with you after the session is over whichmeans you will have increased your flexibility. The same words ofcaution that apply in the pre=workout stretch, also apply here.Always listen to your body and don't overstretch any musclegroup.

Tips: Stretching can increase the explosive power of yourmuscles because it increases their range of motion. It can alsohelp prevent injuries by allowing muscles to warm up gradually whenpractised as part of the warm-up. Always exhale slowly when youstretch a muscle group and inhale when you release it.

6 REASONS to start training:
1. Build yourself a smashing fit body - because there is no greaterfeeling than looking in the mirror and simply just love what yousee.
2. Brag around about your toned muscles - low body fat level,noticeable muscle definition and shape, but not significant musclesize
3. Keep your heart strong and healthy - because your heart is amuscle also and it gets stronger and healthier if you live anactive life.
4. A clear and beautiful glowing skin - you don't have to worryanymore about celulite when you're half naked on the beach. No moredimply skin coming out of your swimsuit.
5. Reduce stress, anxiety and fight depression - regular trainingis the key for your head just as it is for your heart and willrelax you, making you calmer, fighting depression and dissipatestress.
6. A happier soul and a bigger smile - you will feel that you arefinally doing something for yourself.
BONUS: Improve your live life! you know exercise is good for you,but do you know how goof? It boots your energy and improves yourmood and exercising regularly puts the spark back into your lovelife.