|
Along with your aerobics and weight training regimens, it is critical to implement a stretch and flexibility routine. Stretching is a key to avoiding injury. Overall you should expect to increase flexibility gradually. If you are very stiff and inflexible when you begin, it is important to stick with it and increase flexibility slowly. Don’t try to increase flexibility too quickly by forcing yourself to stretch past the point of pain. You should stretch up to, but not beyond the point of pain, and you should hold that degree of stretch for the duration of the exercise. Take your time when stretching, and the benefits will soon be yours to enjoy. Remember, you have “forever.”
Before you begin to stretch, it is important to warm up your muscles first. Performing some type of brief (5 minutes) aerobic activity along with some joint rotations should do the trick. A proper warm-up should increase your body temperature by 1 1/2 to 3 degrees. The goal is to get the blood flowing. Increased blood flow to the muscle improves performance and flexibility and reduces the likelihood of injury.
|
