Top Ten Reasons Why I Should Stretch!!

standing bent knee cable leg raise
(Click on image to view this exercise…)

1.) Prevent injury

2.) Increase muscle-tendon flexibility

3.) Enhance performance

4.) Improve range of motion

5.) Increase sleep

6.) Alleviate muscle soreness

7.) Enhance well-being

8.) Decrease low-back pain

9.) Improve circulation

10.) Post-exercise cool-down

When Is The Best Time To Stretch?

The best time to stretch is when the muscles are warm. Either after exercise or after a warm-up activity. This gives the muscles a chance to heat up and become more flexible. Injuries usually occur when people stretch muscles when they are cold or not warmed up. Stretches should be held for approximately 20 seconds. Think of your muscles as a piece of taffy, cold taffy seems to break when you try and stretch it while warm taffy stretches very easily.

May 12th, 2008

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Posted in: stretching

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by Matt — Personal Trainer

Mathue Johnson has been a certified personal trainer for nearly ten years, working closely with clients across the country to help them effectively reach their goals. He also vied for Jillian's heart in The Bachelorette season five.