Many of us were taught that we should stretch before playing a sport or exercising. Typically this was done with static stretching (where you hold a stretch for 20-30 seconds). However recent research has shown that this is incorrect and that this type of stretching actually reduces muscle strength when done prior to exercise.
So what should we do? First, we should warm up the body and increase blood flow to the muscles, therefore increasing their range of motion. Next we should do some dynamic stretches (stretching the muscle while moving). For example, jog at an easy pace for 5-10 minutes then do things like straight leg marches, butt kickers (jogging while kicking your heels to your buttocks) and inch worms (stand up reach hands to the ground, walk your hands forward until you are in a pushup position, then with your legs straight, inch them towards your hands, then walk your hands out again, then your feet and repeat).
If you would like to incorporate some static stretching, I would recommend doing that after you are done exercises.
Find out what's happening in Lynnfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Rebecca LeSaffre is the owner of Lynnfield Boot Camp. She is an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer, a Fitness Nutrition Coach and a Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant. She is qualified to assess what types of exercises will be most beneficial for meeting personal fitness goals, while also helping assure that you use proper form for maximum results and injury prevention. You can contact her via her web site www.lynnfieldbootcamp.com
