So many folks who work out in gym or play football consider stretching their hamstrings or calves as something that they might fit in only if they have few extra minutes after running relentless distances on a pitch or a treadmill. The main stream fitness industry constantly brings message that the main object is exercise, not a boring stretch.
The interesting thing to note is that extensive studies have shown that regular stretching will increase one’s flexibility and that will directly transfer into his ability to perform better with less risk of an injury.
The Real Advantages of Muscle Stretching:
• Before Workout-prepares and warms the body’s muscles and tissues all while increasing the blood flow so we can move more freely and get less likely hurt
• During Workout-adding few stretches throughout your exercise regimen will enhance your balance, coordination and accuracy
• After workout-these stretches will improve your recovery time
Regular stretching can tackle the muscular imbalances. These imbalances are caused by some muscles not being properly warmed up and more ready for an exertion then the other. Daily activities do not require the same muscle contraction and range of motion our muscles participate throughout playing favourite sport or working out in a gym. If you don’t take time to stretch your muscles properly before hand, it is very likely that they will become imbalanced, which in turn can result is lack of coordination and physical injury.
And this is your best way to approach your stretching routine:
- Focus on major muscle groups. When you’re stretching, pay close attention to your hamstrings, calves, hips, quads, lower back, shoulders and neck.
- Ensure that when you stretch you take time on both sides-for example if you take time to indulge your right hamstring with long passive stretch, make sure to perform the proliferation on your left hamstring as well.
- Forget NO PAIN NO GAIN approach. Feeling tension while you are stretching is absolutely normal, but it should never cause you pain. The pain signals are a clear indication that you’ve pushed too far. So make sure to stay in a pain-free realm and hold the stretch right there and then.
- Don’t bounce. Hurdling and jumping when you are in a stretch can create a micro tears in the muscle fibers. These tears can create a scar tissue as the muscle progress in healing, and those will tighten the muscle even further.
Make your stretch routine specific to your sport. Thousands and thousand athletes have found it beneficial to follow a stretch routine tailored specifically to their sport. For instance if you are a swimmer, your shoulders are much more impacted compare to a runner. So design a stretch routine that will specifically tackle and open up ranges of motion in your chest and your shoulder sockets.
Post a comment below and share your experience with us about your stretch routine. Also watch out for next week’s blog where I will share with you a specifically targeted stretch programme exactly for swimmers (and everyone else who want to get more mobility into their shoulders).
