Most of today's society is plagued with muscular imbalances due to repetitive patterns of movement which place undue stress on the body. That includes sitting or standing for long periods, and repeating the same movements overtime. Muscular imbalance are a result of poor movement of the joints, inappropriate muscles taking over the function of the primary muscles, and decreased nueromuscular control. Static stretching is a great way to correct this.
People of all ages and all fitness levels can benefit from static stretching. Stretching improves joint range of motion, improves the function of your muscles and improves neuromuscular control or efficiency. Stretching exercises don't require any special equipment so they can be performed anywhere, at your desk, at home or in the gym.
You can perform static stretching exercises during a warm up or cool down or both. During a warm up, stretching prepares your muscles for the activity and prevents injury. Stretching after a workout increases flexibility, improves joint range of motion, and aids in muscle recovery after a workout. It also prevents and reduces muscle soreness after intense workouts.
If you lead a sedentary lifestyle or you don't exercise, it is even more important that you perform static stretching and flexibility exercises. Only stretch to a point of slight tension and hold the stretch for at least 30 seconds.
Static, Active, Dynamic, and SMR with a foam roll are a few different forms of flexibility training. The most common is static stretching. Static stretches require that you hold a stretch for a minimum of 20 to 30 seconds. It helps to improve flexibility by lengthening the muscles being stretched. Static stretches are best for correcting muscular imbalances and is the best place to start.
Another type of stretching, SMR or self myofacial release using a foam roll, is also a form of stretching to correct muscle imbalances and to relieve knots in a muscle. It improves the length of muscles by placing pressure on "knots" which are bundled muscle fibers. It returns the body to it's optimal level of functioning and it feels great. You can use this technique on most major muscles and combine it with static stretching.
Two other forms of flexibility training include Active and Dynamic stretching. These types of stretches should be performed as a warm up and should only be performed if you have no muscle imbalances. Perform static stretching after your workouts to cool down.
Improving your flexibility will not only feel great but will reduce the risk of injury, counteract aging, improve posture, relieve pain, and improve muscle recovery after workouts. Static stretching is a great place to start. - 16089
People of all ages and all fitness levels can benefit from static stretching. Stretching improves joint range of motion, improves the function of your muscles and improves neuromuscular control or efficiency. Stretching exercises don't require any special equipment so they can be performed anywhere, at your desk, at home or in the gym.
You can perform static stretching exercises during a warm up or cool down or both. During a warm up, stretching prepares your muscles for the activity and prevents injury. Stretching after a workout increases flexibility, improves joint range of motion, and aids in muscle recovery after a workout. It also prevents and reduces muscle soreness after intense workouts.
If you lead a sedentary lifestyle or you don't exercise, it is even more important that you perform static stretching and flexibility exercises. Only stretch to a point of slight tension and hold the stretch for at least 30 seconds.
Static, Active, Dynamic, and SMR with a foam roll are a few different forms of flexibility training. The most common is static stretching. Static stretches require that you hold a stretch for a minimum of 20 to 30 seconds. It helps to improve flexibility by lengthening the muscles being stretched. Static stretches are best for correcting muscular imbalances and is the best place to start.
Another type of stretching, SMR or self myofacial release using a foam roll, is also a form of stretching to correct muscle imbalances and to relieve knots in a muscle. It improves the length of muscles by placing pressure on "knots" which are bundled muscle fibers. It returns the body to it's optimal level of functioning and it feels great. You can use this technique on most major muscles and combine it with static stretching.
Two other forms of flexibility training include Active and Dynamic stretching. These types of stretches should be performed as a warm up and should only be performed if you have no muscle imbalances. Perform static stretching after your workouts to cool down.
Improving your flexibility will not only feel great but will reduce the risk of injury, counteract aging, improve posture, relieve pain, and improve muscle recovery after workouts. Static stretching is a great place to start. - 16089
About the Author:
Gina Gardi (CPT) is the owner and operator of a Strength Training Website which offers free workout plans and fitness information. Visit the website for sample Stretching Flexibility Exercises that include static, foam roll and active stretching, complete with illustrated stretching exercises and instructions.
