SPORTSNFITNESS

Stretching has many, many benefits. They have been proven through countless studies and all come up with similar messages. Stretching is advantageous for the body. Stretching is deliberate lengthening of the muscles. Doing this will create a laundry list of benefits including: - Increased Range of Motion - Increased Flexibility - Decreased Risk of Injury - Improved Circulation - Better Posture - Reduced Stress Levels - Enhanced Coordination - Improved Balance - Longer/Leaner Look Here Are Some Great Stretches to Achieve Those Benefits: Calf Stretch Quad Stretches Quad Stretches Hamstring Stretches Adductor Stretches Hamstring Stretches Back, Quad, Shoulder Stretches Adductor Stretches Back, Calf, Hamstring, Shoulder Stretches These are just a few sample stretches. Try to incorporate these into your daily routine to achieve those benefits.

Let's go through some of the static stretches that can be done AFTER a workout as both a cool-down and to lengthen those muscles that were just worked. LEFT BICEP STRETCH: RIGHT BICEP STRETCH: LEFT TRICEP STRETCH: RIGHT TRICEP STRETCH: HAMSTRING STRETCH: LEFT GLUTE/HAMSTRING STRETCH: RIGHT GLUTE/HAMSTRING STRETCH: LEFT QUAD STRETCH: RIGHT QUAD STRETCH: LEFT GROIN/HIP STRETCH: RIGHT GROIN/HIP STRETCH: LEFT HURDLER'S STRETCH: RIGHT HURDLER'S STRETCH: CALF STRETCH: LEFT CALF STRETCH: RIGHT CALF STRETCH:

Before creating your stretching program, it is important to differentiate between the type of stretching. Here are the four basic categories defining the types of stretching to perform: 1. Ballistic Stretching Ballistic stretching is one of the more 'retro' style of stretching. It is performed by bouncing repeatedly. *Please Note: This is NOT recommended due to the safety concerns with ballistic stretching* It is only mentioned to be thorough in this explanation. 2. Dynamic Stretching Dynamic stretching is more of an active warm-up involving movements that are similar to that of the activity about to be performed. These stretches may be exaggerated yet controlled when performed. 3. Static Stretching Static stretching may be most commonly thought of regarding the topic of stretching. This technique involves stretching a muscle to the point of slight discomfort for an extended period of time. The length is usually 10-60 seconds. 4. PNF (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation) ...