Continue Stretching At The End Of A Workout By: Randy Cline

You will always be advised to make sure before you start any form of fitness training activity to carry out warm up exercises to lower the risk of injury later on. This is not the only thing that it is important to remember if you intend to carry our fitness programs. You are less likely to strain or pull a warm muscle than a cold one but it is just as beneficial to have a cool down exercise period after a workout has been completed. Ok so none of what I have said so far is a secret but you would be amazed how many people do not do it but were you aware that you should also continue this stretching at the end of a workout as the muscles are warm and more flexible.

Although a twenty second stretch is sufficient before a routine, if this increased to a minute per movement there is a considerable increase in the flexibility of the muscles and limbs. When carrying out these warm-up stretches, perform them slowly and gently, returning to the starting position in the same way as this will provide the greatest benefit. Some people have injured themselves because they extend beyond their limits and do not hold the stretched position for a few seconds before returning slowly. Always start with the easiest exercises first until you have warmed up sufficiently to carry out the more difficult ones and ensure that all the muscle groups are warmed before you start training.

For some people, even if they have strong bodies, they tend to neglect the neck when working out because stretching the neck muscles can be as simple as placing the palm of one's hand against the front of the head and pushing it; then, do the same to the sides and the back of the head. If you carry out regular stretching prior to fitness training you will be surprised just how flexible your body becomes and it will increase your ability to perform certain training. Do not overstretch your self performing exercises you are not yet ready for just because there are others who can as this will cause further problems; work to your own pace. Do not expect your body to be able to carry out the same exercises and level of training every time you go to the gym because some days you will have a better workout than others; this is perfectly normal and to be expected.

It is normally advised you don't work the same muscle groups consecutively for two days when fitness training as muscle grows during the period when you rest and not when you are working out. Do aerobic exercises to strengthen your heart; aerobic exercises are those physical activities that require more oxygen for fuel; these include cardiovascular exercises such as skipping rope, running or swimming. Music may help you when you want to train for longer periods or to increase your intensity and the latest lightweight portable mp3 players are ideal for this. Although you will need your headphones as not everyone will necessarily appreciate you taste in music. Stretching your body is a form of exercise in itself and a pleasant way to relax at the end of a hard day so it is worth doing regularly even if you do not want to workout.

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