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When you exercise, your muscles contract and relax, contract and relax. The repeated contraction can lead to shortening up of the muscles. Stretching will prevent this shortening of the muscles. Many injuries are caused by poor flexibility.
Stretching will: -
Increase flexibility
- Maintain the range of motion for muscles and joints
- Prepare tendons and muscles for the upcoming exercise
- Help prevent injuries due to inflexibility
- Help prevent the delayed onset of muscle
- Fatigue in the days following your workout
- Mentally prepare you for your session.
Stretching should be a gentle movement, and should not be painful. You can stretch to a point of feeling discomfort, but never to a point of pain.
A stretch must be maintained for at least 30 seconds. Keep the specific muscle group stretched while keeping your body motionless, with no jerky movements at all.
Stretching should be done before and after exercises. When you stretch before exercising, you need to warm-up the muscles first, followed by stretching, and then your exercise routine.
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