The definition of flexibility is a person's ability to move their joints through a full range of motion. Muscle flexibility allows for more movement around the joints. You'll achieve this with a basic stretching workout.
Stretching after your workout increases flexibility and protects your body from injury. Warm muscles are receptive to being stretched and you'll reduce muscle cramps and aches.
If you've done any kind of aerobic activity, you know that familiar ache and tightness in your muscles. Sometimes you don't feel you can move the next day.
Whenever I'm training for longer distances, I find stretching to be a key component to my comfort. I'm usually miserable if I don't do it!
Stretching allows you to keep your body flexible especially because most of us suffer from poor posture. It's sometimes difficult to maintain good posture throughout the day. As we become tired, our posture declines.
Whenever you're jogging maintain correct running form to alleviate pain in your upper back and shoulder area. Take the time to stretch as needed throughout the day. This way you'll fee less tense and more relaxed.
Why Stretching Is Good For You?
You'll reduce injury.
You'll experience better jogging performance.
You'll reduce lower back pain.
You'll reduce cramps and muscle aches.
You'll lower your blood pressure.
You'll get more nutrients and blood to your muscles making them stronger.
You'll reduce stress and feel more relaxed.
You'll enjoy exercise more!
How to Stretch
Always stretch after your workout when your muscles are warm and receptive. This is an essential principle of the definition of flexibility since your muscles need a good stretch after aerobic activity. This will greatly reduce aches and cramping from lactic acid building up in your muscles.
This is a terrific way to do the cool down portion of your exercise routine. It's best to stretch after your warm up and not before since stretching cold muscles can cause injury.
Light stretching before exercising is not a bad idea. But after you've been jogging for 10 minutes stop and stretch some more.
When doing static stretches, don't bounce. Hold a comfortable position until you feel a gentle pull on your muscle. It should feel good and not hurt. Don't bounce since you may end up pulling the muscle you were trying to stretch.
Ideally you should try to hold each stretch for 15-30 seconds so you can enjoy some long-term flexibility benefits.
Try stretching between strength training sets and perform light stretches throughout the day to deal with tight shoulders, neck and lower back.
When you stretch after jogging, try to hit all the muscles you used paying special attention to any tight areas.
Stretching is a key component to the definition of flexibility. It should be practiced regularly as part of your overall wellness plan.
