Learn The Right Way to Stretch

How often do you stretch? I bet before your run you do a fast, two minute stretch, then on your way you go.

According to WebMD.com, that is wrong, wrong, wrong! Static stretches strongly reduce exercisers strength. We have spelled out seven proper stretching techniques:

Warm up! Never stretch your muscles when they are ‘cold’. Before any exercise go for a brisk walk or on the stationary bike for about five minutes to warm up the body by increasing blood flow.
Dynamic stretches instead of static stretches. Dynamic stretches are slow, controlled movements like arm circles or hip circles.
Do the down dog! Yoga is an excellent way to become properly stretched. Yoga moves will help provide balance and flexibility to your body.
Static stretching AFTER your workout. After your workout you can do static stretching, hold each for around 30 seconds.
What’s your favorite sport? Depending on your preferred physical activity you can learn specific ways to warm up and stretch accordingly.
No pain. Do not stretch until you are feeling pain. Stretching should be gentle and progressive.
De-stress by stretching. Stretching can help calm your nerves and steer clear of anxiety.

“To improve range of motion and avoid injury, you do need to stretch, but don’t ever do it when muscles are cold,” warns orthopedic surgeon William Levine, MD, director of sports medicine at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City. “Always start with some mild aerobic warm-ups to get blood to the tissue before doing any stretching.”

Have a sports injury that you can’t seem to get rid of? Find a physical therapist near your home who can help.

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