stretching exercises

Calf Stretches Two muscles come into play. They are the Gastrocnemius muscle, which is used while extending the knee, and the soleus muscle is worked when the knee is bent. Both these muscles are present at the back of the calf and propel the muscles while running. Athletes usually perform the gastroc stretch and the soleus stretch just before they run a race.

Hamstring stretches activate the muscles that are located at the back of the thigh. The primary aim of such stretches is to flex the knee and extend the hip. These stretching exercises can be performed while sitting or standing or also when in a supine position.
Quadricep Stretches involve the muscles which in the front of the thigh. They help to flex the hip and extend the knee. Building these muscles will help in long distance running for it is the quadriceps which come into play in the final burst of a marathon. Like the hamstring stretches, these can be performed while standing or lying down on your side. Just ensure that your back is perfectly straight.

Forearm stretches involve the use of the biceps and the triceps.  Strengthening of these muscles decreases the chances of injury to the arms. Neck stretches for the side of the neck involves moving the neck slowly first to one side then to another and for the backstretches moving the neck backwards. All stretches should be held for 5-10 seconds. Abdominal and lower back stretches, hip and thigh stretches help in attaining overall flexibility and rotation of the hip. Ankle stretches relax hamstrings, stretch calf muscles and work on the Achilles and ankles.  There are stretching exercises for the groin, the trunk, the spine, the wrist in fact for all parts of the body.

Whatever the type of stretching exercise your perform, the main aim is to remove tautness from muscles, increase circulation and flexibility, increase your endurance and energy levels and best of all increases resistance to illness. While performing the exercises, breathe normally and go easy. Slowly develop an exercise regimen that you can follow and stop at the first sign of pain. Do each exercise 3-5 times at any time you like even while watching the TV. Three times a week to begin with is good enough but remember, do not overstretch. Exercise within your limits. If possible combine stretching exercises with strengthening exercises and do keep at it regularly. It is so easy to give up. ~ author M. Swami.

The service is provided as general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor.  We not responsible for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content of this website. Always consult your own GP if you're in any way concerned about your health.

Featured articles :Pregnancy articles tummy exercises exercise during pregnancy  stretching exercises weight loss exercise  cellulite treatment