Stretch Before a Workout
When you work out, you have probably noticed some
difficulty in moving certain muscles from time to time. One reason for this
could be that your muscles aren’t as stretched as they need to be when beginning
the workout. Stretching is an essential part of any fitness routine and should
be done both before and after the main part of your routine.
When stretch, you should remember to include all muscles.
This means stretching your arms, legs, abs and back and shoulder muscles. There
are many great stretching exercises that can be performed on a daily basis.
One exercise that will stretch your calf muscles is to
stand with your hands flat on a wall. Place one foot some distance behind the
other. Bend the front knee forward while keeping the back leg straight. You will
feel the calf muscle of the back leg stretch. Hold for a few seconds before
letting up. Repeat the process by switching legs.
Another great stretching exercise for the legs is performed
while sitting on the floor with your legs stretched straight out in front of
you. Bend at the waste, extending your arms and reaching your hands toward your
feet. You will eventually be able to reach past them as your muscles will become
more flexible. Hold for a few seconds then let up. Repeat the process several
times.
A great arm stretch is performed by extending one arm above
your head. Point the palm of your hand behind you and bend your elbow. Grab your
bent elbow with the other hand and push down. This will stretch the muscles in
the back part of your upper arm. Hold for several seconds before releasing.
Switch arms and repeat the process.
You can also stretch your side muscles as a part of your
regular fitness routine. One exercise that works really well for this uses a
weight. You can start with a two pound weight but will be able to gradually move
up to using one that weighs four pounds. Stand with your feet apart. Place the
weight in one hand and leave that hand and arm down at its respective side.
Stretch the other arm up over your head, pointing it in the same direction as
the resting arm. Next, point the hand holding the weight down toward the ground.
You will then bend at the side toward the stretching arm. Hold for several
seconds before letting up. Switch arms and repeat the process.