Most people have muscular imbalances because of repetitive daily movement patterns. An imbalance occurs when another muscle takes over the job of a primary muscle. This places undue stress on the body causing muscles to become tight and week, and causes stiffness and poor movement of joints. The best way to correct this is through static stretching.
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.
Flexibility and static stretching exercises can be performed during warm up and cool down. Stretching during warm up prepares your muscles prior to exercise and prevents injury. Stretching after a workout improves joint range of motion and helps your muscles recover after a workout which also prevents excessive muscle soreness.
And if you don't exercise and you lead a sedentary lifestyle it's even more crucial you perform some form of static stretching and flexibility exercises. Just remember to only stretch to the point of slight tension and hold for at least 30 seconds. Never bounce while stretching.
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.
Start incorportating static stretching exercises in your daily routine and not only will you improve your flexibility but you'll feel great, reduce stress, improve you posture, reduce or prevent injury, counteract aging, and improve muscle recovery after workouts. - 16083
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.
Flexibility and static stretching exercises can be performed during warm up and cool down. Stretching during warm up prepares your muscles prior to exercise and prevents injury. Stretching after a workout improves joint range of motion and helps your muscles recover after a workout which also prevents excessive muscle soreness.
And if you don't exercise and you lead a sedentary lifestyle it's even more crucial you perform some form of static stretching and flexibility exercises. Just remember to only stretch to the point of slight tension and hold for at least 30 seconds. Never bounce while stretching.
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.
Start incorportating static stretching exercises in your daily routine and not only will you improve your flexibility but you'll feel great, reduce stress, improve you posture, reduce or prevent injury, counteract aging, and improve muscle recovery after workouts. - 16083
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.
