Any physical trainer will tell you to perform some stretching exercises before you start any form of fitness training to prevent possible injury. There are some other points to remember as well that can ensure a safe and enjoyable workout. Stretching increases the ability of muscles to flex and contract and is just as useful when you have finished exercising.
To increase your flexibility and to avoid injuries, stretch before and after workout. This flexibility is further improved when you carry out muscle and tendon stretching exercises after you have finished any physical activity.
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.
Ideally the stretch should last a few seconds then a slow return because it is easy to damage joints or even pull muscles when this is not done correctly. Work slowly in increments instead of immediately proceeding to doing the hardest exercise or position so make sure that you have stretched or warmed up all muscle groups.
A neck workout is as important as the rest of your body and is quite easy, only requiring pressure from the palm of the hand as it rests against the forehead which can then be repeated at the side of the head and the back. 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. Workout only to your capabilities and not that of others so do not force yourself to do exercises that you are not yet capable of just because there are people who can do it; increase your limits slowly and listen to your body. Remember there will be days when your body will perform better than others; this is quite normal and should be expected as even top sportsmen have good and bad days so why should you be any different. Fitness training everyday can be punishing for the muscles and does not allow them to heal and grow so try to leave a day between workouts. Aerobic exercises are the best for you because they will improve you cardiovascular system, improve your stamina, lung capacity and overall fitness; exercises like skipping running, rowing, swimming, stepping machines etc.
If you are someone that likes aerobic exercise then you should listen to music if possible as it helps to have a regular beat. If you are someone who has trouble relaxing or sleeping then you may want to consider stretching exercises as it is good for you even if you are not working out. Stretching is good for you even if you are not performing it before exercise and many people use it for relaxation purposes prior to sleep.
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