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 Flexibility |
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Flexibility
Stretching is crucial for every sport or fitness activity, and too many people neglect this part of their workout. Stretching will not only increase your flexibility and minimize your chances of pulling or tearing muscles, but it will also improve your performance. A flexible muscle reacts and contracts faster, and with more force, than a non-flexible muscle. Flexibility also increases your agility and balance.
Stretching exercises should be performed after a short warm-up, between weightlifting sets, and/or during your cool-down. As an added benefit, stretching is an excellent relaxation technique. Use your stretching time to focus on your workout, visualizing success.
Flexibility Tips
· Start each stretch slowly, exhaling as you gently stretch the muscle.
· Try to hold each stretch for at least 10 to 30 seconds.
· Stretch a muscle about 10% beyond its normal length to increase.
· flexibility. Don't strain or push a muscle too far. If a stretch hurts, ease up.
· Don't bounce a stretch. Holding a stretch is more effective and there is less risk of injury.
· Don't stretch a muscle that is not warmed up.
· Don't hold your breath.
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Disclaimer
Our Fitness Articles have been collated from many sources. Whilst we are careful to only publish the ones we believe are most accurate and relevant we cannot guarantee their accuracy. Before you put any of the ideas into practise we suggest you seek advise from a professional in the sport you participate in. We cannot be held liable for any injury or problems that occur by following any advice published on our web site.
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