Oct
21
5 Muscle Stretching Tips to Avoid Injury and Improve Flexibility
October 21, 2008 | Leave a Comment
If you’re going to be using a treadmill to burn fat and lose weight, then you’ll want to make sure that you stretch your muscles before you begin. Stretching is important because it prevents injuries that could impede your performance.
I also recommend that people stretch before and after any exercise, so be sure to do your stretching before you start using your treadmill! This will help to increase your flexibility, putting less stress on your muscles. Stretching after your workout is important too to help prevent pulled muscles and other injuries.
Here are some stretching tips to help you prevent injury to your muscles:
1. Don’t stretch until it hurts. Some people push their muscles to the point of pain, thinking that it provides a better stretch. Instead, stretch to a position that is comfortable for your body and hold it for about 20 seconds.
2. Breathe through your stretches. Some people hold their breath during their stretch routines, but when you practice deep breathing exercises, it helps you perform a deeper stretch for your muscles.
3. Stretching is often seen as the warm up phase of exercise, but it’s really important to warm your muscles before you stretch them, so it’s a great idea to walk around or jog on the spot for a few minutes before you start to stretch.
4. When you have completed your work out take a nice warm bath or shower. The hot water will help to gently relax your muscles. By stretching after your bath or shower you will help to stop your muscles seizing up, as well as feeling wonderful!
5. Never bounce while you are stretching. You may have seen athletes on TV do this, but it is very dangerous because instead of stopping injuries you could actually cause yourself serious harm.
The most important muscles that you need to stretch are not always your leg muscles. Of course, it is important to stretch your calf muscles, quadriceps, and hamstrings, but you also need to stretch her shoulders, abs, neck, and back. Believe it or not, walking on a treadmill provides a full body workout.
Try to be a bit more creative than just bending over and trying to touch your toes. Add in some other stretching exercises such as the splits and lunges. You can even work in some calf stretches by standing on a step and then dropping your heels – be sure to stop before it becomes uncomfortable though.
Whenever you stretch, make your movements slow and precise for the best results. You want to keep some tension on the muscles to help them stretch, but never stretch to the point where you’re in pain.
Comments
You must be logged in to post a comment.