photo credit: stronglift.com
Much like a car needs regular maintenance, your body needs the proper upkeep to prevent injuries or strains, and to promote more efficient workouts and maximum results. This of course entails regular stretching to compliment your workout. But when should you do it? For how long? And what’s the right way to do it? We’ve come up with some power stretches that will compliment your OctaSlider™ workout so you can get back to your Slide, Glide and Burn!
Stretching increases circulation of blood flow to your muscles, which reduces muscle soreness. Your flexibility and joint range of motion are increased. As you age, your muscles eventually become tighter and shorter; regular stretching will keep your muscles long and lean. Another benefit is posture; you can alleviate lower back pain and improve posture through consistant stretching.
So when should stretching be performed? Should stretching be performed before or after your workout? Light stretches should be preformed pre-workout to wake up the muscles and get yourself warmed up. Post workout stretching is essential in helping the muscles recover. After an intense workout you might want to focus on a good 15-minute cool down and stretch session. Some target areas could include:
The bottom-line: stretching is a beneficial component of your exercise routine, which a lot of people choose to ignore altogether. Make sure to incorporate some dynamic stretching into your workout to get your best results and your best body!
