Active Stretching Enhances Overall Health And Well-Being

Information about Stretching Exercise

Getting plenty of exercise is a very important part in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including both cardiovascular and strength-training exercises. Visiting the gym for a strenuous aerobic class or walking in the park are both wonderful ways for the body to stay at a normal weight and for the heart and circulatory system to stay intact and functioning well. Yet, many people forget of avoid active stretching of their bodies because they are too tired, or they feel they don’t have enough time after their workouts to stretch adequately. Active stretching is a necessary and often overlooked part of a healthy overall exercise workout and should be incorporated along with the daily routine.

Safety Guidelines for Proper Active Stretching

Many people would like to learn how to properly stretch their muscles after a workout or even throughout the day to relieve tension and stress, yet they are not aware of good posture and technique that are an important part of active stretching. When someone is stretching, the body needs to be warmed up, either by walking or doing daily household chores or manual labor. One should not begin a workout routine by stretching, as the muscles are not loose enough to properly flex themselves, and a strain can easily occur. Five to ten minutes of walking on the treadmill at a moderate to brisk pace can constitute an adequate warm-up to your exercise routine. The best time for active stretching is after you are done with your workout, both cardio and weight-training.

Popular Stretches For Increased Flexibility

What types of active stretching one does often depends on the type of workout is utilized. For example, running is a very popular and beneficial form of cardiovascular exercise, both on the treadmill and outside. It is crucial that after the running routine, one takes time to properly stretch their legs, hips and ankles. One stretch is aptly named the “runner’s stretch” and is done by having one knee bent out in front of the body while the opposite leg is stretched behind and straight. The hands are down on the ground on either side to hold up the torso. The hamstrings and hips get a good stretch with this technique, as well as other parts of the body. Sitting on the floor with the heels of the feet together and knees falling out to the side is also a good stretch for the inner thighs and hips. You gently lean forward from the waist and bring your forehead toward your feet as you breathe deeply. Active stretching is a great way to incorporate increased flexibility into your muscles and tendons, as well as help to prevent sport’s injuries along your exercise and healthy journey.