Benefits of Stretching

· flexibility and range of motion.

· strong elastic tendons and ligaments.

· limberness and comfort in any movements and exercises.

· comfort in any posture,  such as sitting, standing, and lying down.

· enhanced athletic performance.

· prevent muscle injury.

· enhance muscle recovery.

· relieve muscle pain. 

· enhance functional and social movements in daily life.

Many medical authorities and institutes of sports medicines have added flexibility training to their general exercise programs, advising that stretching exercises for the major muscle groups be performed 2 to 3 days per week.

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Copyright:-  John Chow,  a practitioner of Chinese medicine, acupuncturist, masseur, healer and teacher of martial arts and spiritual paths.

No part of this article can be used, quoted, copied in any form without the permission from the author. 

The information provided above is for general reference only.  No martial art technique, no heath prescription, no medical treatment, and no spiritual effort is 100%  foolproof.  Effectiveness depends on a lot of variables,  some of which are not known.  

Any how-to instruction is reserved only for students of the author, and at personal instructional sessions.  The reader is advised to separately obtain training and instruction from a qualified personnel in the subject area.  

For further information on this article, please contact John Chow  at  vajra_master@yahoo.com.

Listen to Your Body.

Get Creative.

Varying your flexibility training can help you stick with it. You can use towels. resistance balls and other accessories to add diversity and effectiveness to your stretching.

Warm Up First.

if you’re stretching on your own, don’t forget to warm up your muscles before you begin. Walking briskly for 10 to15 minutes is a simple way to do this.

Find a Flexibility Class That Works for You.

Classes that include stretching are becoming more popular and more diverse. Some combine cardiovascular and strength components with the flexibility training; others focus exclusively on stretching.

Stretch Yourself—Mind and Body.

Did you know that your emotional state may affect your flexibility? If your body is relaxed, says Ellison, it will be more responsive to flexibility training. Listening to music and focusing on your breath can help you relax as you stretch. u may also want to explore yoga or exercise inspired by the work of Joseph Pilates. In addition to stretching, classes in these disciplines may include relaxation, visualization and other mind-body techniques designed to reduce stress and increase mindfulness.

It’s Not Just for Wimps.

Forget the idea that stretching is just for elderly, injured or unconditioned people. Many Olympic and professional athletes rely on flexibility training for peak performance.

Do It Consistently.

It doesn’t help to stretch for a few weeks and then forget about it. Integrate regular stretching into your permanent fitness program. For inspiration, look to cats and dogs—they’re dedicated practitioners of regular stretching!

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