Before doing any exercise, whether it be running, circuit training, football or whatever you chose, it is vital that beforehand you go through a thorough and effective warm up routine and that afterwards you effectively cool down.
We have touched on warming up here, with the aim being that your body; mainly your muscles, and your mind are prepared for the work they are about to do.
If you don’t warm up before exercise then you are highly likely Read More…
Introduction
Warming-up is typically defined as a mild, preparatory activity performed before participating in a sport or exercise.
It is characterized by a gradual increase in intensity Read More…
Stretching should be an important component to any runner’s routine. Runners tend to be tight in predictable areas (most notably the hamstrings and calf muscles) and in turn, they get injured in and around Read More…
A stretch is a stretch, right? Well, not really. Stretching and the different ways to stretch are topics of controversy among runners.
For the past 25 years, so-called static or gradual stretching has been considered the right way to stretch. This is a slow, gradual stretch that you hold for 15 to 30 seconds. You can choose Read More…
Before exercise, in the warm-up, you want to prepare the muscle for activity. The best time to stretch is just after a short easy jog and to hold each stretch for 10 seconds. It is especially important if you intend to start an intense activity such as sprinting or speed-work.
After exercise, in the cool-down, you want to bring back the muscles used to their original length. During activity the muscle shortens, you notice this when the muscle gets tight and hard. To reduce or even prevent post exercise muscle stiffness you are now trying to lengthen and loosen the muscle back to its pre-exercise level. You should hold the stretch for longer – 30 seconds.
1. Move slowly into the stretch.
2. Hold the stretch for 10 seconds prior to exercise (warm-up) and for 30
seconds post exercise (cool-down).
3. Breathe and relax while holding the stretch.
4. NEVER do any bouncy stretching, always hold and relax.
5. Focus on the muscle you are trying to stretch and then try to lengthen it.
6. You may be able to breath in and push the stretch slightly further half way
through the stretch. This is most important during cool-down.
7. Move slowly out of the stretch again.
8. Remember to stretch both sides.
9. Increasing the range of movement around a joint will help the blood flow to
the muscles surrounding the joint and increase circulation that will carry
away any lactic acids that may build up in the muscle.
10.Do more stretching that just warm-up and cool-down. A lot of gyms offer
stretch-classes where the aim is to permanently and progressively to
increase your flexibility.
Information courtesy of Cole’s therapy & injury clinic
Wall Pushup #1
Stand about three feet from a wall, feet at shoulder width and flat on the ground. Put your hands on the wall with your arms straight for support. Lean your hips forward and bend your knees slightly to stretch your calves.
Wall Pushup #3
Put your feet together, rocking back on your heels with your hands on the wall and your arms straight to form a jackknife with your body. This stretches your hips, shoulders, and lower back.
Back Scratch
Grab your elbow with the opposite hand and gently push the elbow up and across your body until your hand reaches down to “scratch” your back. Gently push on your elbow to guide your hand down your back as far as it will comfortably go, stretching your triceps and shoulders. Stretch both arms.
Hamstring Stretch
Lie down with one leg straight up in the air, the other bent with foot flat on the ground. Loop a towel over the arch of the lifted foot, and gently pull on the towel as you push against it with your foot. Push only to the point where your muscles contract. Stretch both legs.
Stretches courtesy of Cole’s therapy and injury clinic