Streeeeeeeeetch yourself
Often skipped, skimped and overlooked - stretching is a vitally important component of any exercise programme.
Muscles perform best when they can function through their full range of movement. Unstretched and tight muscles cannot perform as well as loose supple ones no matter how hard you train them.
Muscles left unstretched over long periods of time can cause imbalances, adhesions, injury and in the worst cases - death (not really death)
Stretching is easy and quick if you do it right:
Static stretching: get the targeted muscle into a lengthened position until a gentle stretch is felt and hold the position for 20-30 seconds.
Foam rolling: you may have seen these in the gym and wondered what they are. They look like big foam rolling pins and work like a massage. Place the roller on or under the muscle needing a stretch and gently roll until you find a tender spot. Hold it on this point for 20-30 seconds.
Dynamic stretching: if you are doing power work or any explosive movements this is the one for you ie. Lunges to stretch the legs.
Just a couple of minutes a day will give improvements in flexibility - do it when you watch tv, before bed, on the tube? Maybe not on the tube….
