Avoid Injury with these 5 Muscle Stretching Tips
If you want to use a treadmill to help burn calories and lose weight then it is really important that you stretch your muscles before you start exercising. Stretching helps to prevent injuries which could reduce your performance and the effectiveness of your workout.
I also recommend that people stretch before and after any exercise, so be sure to do your stretching before you start using your treadmill! This will help to increase your flexibility, putting less stress on your muscles. Stretching after your workout is important too to help prevent pulled muscles and other injuries.
Here are my top tips to help you avoid damaging your muscles while exercising:
1. The first mistake many people make is to try and stretch too far. If you are in pain then you have stretched too far! It is much better to stretch to a position that you find comfortable, and then hold this stance for between 15 - 20 seconds.
2. Always remember to breathe while you are stretching. By practicing some deep breathing exercises while you stretch you will actually be able to give your muscles a much better workout.
3. Warm up your muscles before you stretch. Some people believe that stretching is the warm-up. But you should walk or jog for a few minutes to get the blood flowing and then begin to stretch.
4. When you have completed your work out take a nice warm bath or shower. The hot water will help to gently relax your muscles. By stretching after your bath or shower you will help to stop your muscles seizing up, as well as feeling wonderful!
5. You may have seen professional athletes bouncing while they stretch, but you should never ever do this! Bouncing during stretching exercises can actually cause serious injuries to your muscles rather than prevent injuries.
The most important muscles that you need to stretch are not always your leg muscles. Of course, it is important to stretch your calf muscles, quadriceps, and hamstrings, but you also need to stretch her shoulders, abs, neck, and back. Believe it or not, walking on a treadmill provides a full body workout.
Try to be a bit more creative than just bending over and trying to touch your toes. Add in some other stretching exercises such as the splits and lunges. You can even work in some calf stretches by standing on a step and then dropping your heels - be sure to stop before it becomes uncomfortable though.
Whenever you stretch, make your movements slow and precise for the best results. You want to keep some tension on the muscles to help them stretch, but never stretch to the point where you’re in pain.
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