Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Enjoy Improved Flexibility with a Stretching Program

By John Baker

A stretching routine is a simple and effective way for you to improve your fitness. There are a number of advantages that you can realize by sticking to a regular stretching program. This type of workout is recommended by most fitness professionals as a means of regaining or improving flexibility and protecting yourself from injury while participating in sports, fitness activities or just day to day living.

Among the biggest advantages of stretching routines is considerably enhanced mobility. When your body's muscles are stretched frequently, you not only maintain your current level of flexibility, you will also increase it through time. If you give up on your regular stretching program, you will lose any gains in flexibility that you achieved, and it won't be easy to regain them without a lot of hard work.

For many people, total flexibility is the objective and they opt for a stretching routine that works all regions of their bodies during their workout. A well designed stretching program can be a big help in preventing a range of injuries that commonly take place in day to day life. If you're flexible, you're a lot less likely to sprain your ankle, strain a muscle, or pull a ligament. This is because your muscles become accustomed to moving in different directions.

If your stretching program becomes a regular habit, you are almost certain to have less pain in your joints, since you're continually loosening them up during this activity. In addition, well stretched muscles are considered to be healthier due to enhanced blood circulation. Better blood flow provides the muscles with the nutrients and oxygen that they require to become stronger.

Concentrated stretching programs like those used in physical therapy will increase the strength of a muscle group a lot. This might require only a few weeks worth of effort if you are focused on improvement.

Keep in mind, though, that a program of flexibility won't do you much good if you're not doing the moves right. That's why it's so important to observe your motions carefully and make sure you're performing them properly. Therefore you're more likely to get the most benefit out of your workout.

A stretching workout can make you feel healthier and more confident about your body, regardless of whether the aim of your workout is toning or increasing your strength. To get the maximum benefit for a stretching routine, you're advised to add it to your schedule at least three times a week. - 15438

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