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2torial #0503:
Learn2 Stretch Before Exercising
Loosen up for a change!
Feeling a little stiff? Maybe you're an exercise
fiend, but your body is starting to respond to your
workouts with neck cricks and muscle cramps the
next day. Whatever your complaint, an important
step to keeping yourself healthy and limber through
the years is to stretch properly. Whether you're
racing for first prize or just racing to catch the
bus, stretching prevents aches and pains and
promotes the health of your muscles, tendons and
ligaments.
We'll explain some basic stretches for your most
important muscle groups. Performing them will help
prepare you for basic physical activity and help
you unwind after exertion. If you're planning a
particularly grueling workout, you'll want to
develop a more comprehensive stretching regimen.
But this will be a good start, and for many
purposes, the stretches described here should be
plenty.
Stretching does two major things for us, at the
cellular level. First, it extends muscle fibers,
actually elongating them (that's why it's called
stretching). Second, it increases blood flow to the
muscles, ligaments and tendons, providing the cells
with more oxygen and nutrients.
Stretching is one of the easiest favors we can
do for our bodies. If you're about to exercise,
stretching will help prevent injuries and increase
your energy. Even if you're not the exercising
type, stretching will increase flexibility, help
your coordination and reduce muscle tension.
You'll get the greatest benefits from stretching
if you make it a regular habit, a part of your
workout or a part of your day. And it's never too
late to start. If you have any injuries or health
problems, though, be sure to check with a physician
before you begin.
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