Importance of stretching: Workout dos and don'ts

Regular stretching helps body to stay flexible as you grow older. Various research studies on stretching concluded that some of stretching can enhance workout, whereas ors don't affect substantially. re are specific guidelines when it comes to stretching. Here are dos and don’ts to keep in mind before and after your workouts.

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Workout tips: Importance of stretching

• Fitness experts suggest that regular stretching can keep hips and hamstrings flexible as you grow older.
• For example, an office person with back pain could find relief while stretching in reverse posture like ‘standing cat camel pose.’ Stretching actually works in such situations when you are stuck in same posture for hours. 
• re are two s of stretches you should kw about – dynamic stretch and static stretch. Dynamic stretch moves a muscle group through a continuous range of motion while in static stretching you stretch a muscle to whole extent by holding it for some time.
• According to experts, dynamic stretching done before training showed improvement in athletic performance of people.
• Static stretching helps to relieve cramping and improve your range of motion. But, it was found that static stretching done before sprinting can weaken performance of athletes. This could be caused as muscles may get tired due to excessive static stretching. (Source: A study performed at Middle Tennessee State University, soccer players)

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Work out Dos and Don’ts

• If you want to warm up your body before a run, start with a brisk walk, walking lunges, butt kicks or high steps. 
• Stretching should be included in your regular routine like when you wake up, before you sleep, or during breaks at work in order to ensure flexibility in your body and ensure proper blood flow.
• If you are doing static stretching, always remember to warm up your body first. 
• If you are somebody who does intense workouts, n static stretching may help you avoid sore muscles post-workout. 

(Disclaimer- Consult your gym instructor for stretching exercises that will be suitable according to your body as well as your athletic intensity)

Source: Web MD, Livestrong

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