Lose Flab and Build Muscle in 2009

By Paul Simons

Any physical trainer will tell you to perform some stretching exercises before you start any form of fitness training to prevent possible injury. This is not the only thing that it is important to remember if you intend to carry out fitness programs. Many people consider it unnecessary but people who do not perform stretching movements before and after a workout are more likely to hurt themselves. Almost everyone knows that stretching before workout prevents injuries, but only a few people know that stretching after workout, when muscles are still warm, can increase flexibility.

For most warm-ups it is quite acceptable to hold a stretching position for twenty seconds but to really extend the muscles groups and joint flexibility, this should be lengthened to one minute. Many people make the mistake of stretching and returning to their original position to quickly when the movement should be slow and measured. Some people have injured themselves because they extend beyond their limits and do not hold the stretched position for a few seconds before returning slowly. Do not jump from an easy stretching exercise to a hard one, but complete the easiest first and do the hardest last as by this time most of your muscles will be warm and it will make the difficult exercise easier.

A commonly forgotten area of the body to warm up, and one that is easy to injure, is the neck so make sure that the neck is warmed up by applying pressure to the head at the front, back and sides using pressure from the palm of your hand. It is always a good idea to continue with this stretching at certain points in the fitness training workout particularly if a difficult exercise is about to be performed as it will help make the routine easier. It is never worth attempting certain moves because others can manage them; wait until you are ready. Remember not to over-stretch yourself and you will gain more from it. There are days when your body may be too tired that you may have to consider reducing your range of motion so learn to rest in between sets and stations to make sure that the body has enough time to recover its energy.

Fitness training everyday can be punishing for the muscles and does not allow them to heal and grow so try to leave a day between workouts. Aerobic exercises are very good for the health of your heart and improve lung capacity and lower the heart rate; look to carry out rowing, running, skipping for example before you start attacking the weight machines. Many people find music good for exercise, especially something with a regular beat that can be worked to; of course mp3 players are ideal for this. Although you will need your headphones as not everyone will necessarily appreciate you taste in music. Stretching your body is a form of exercise in itself and a pleasant way to relax at the end of a hard day so it is worth doing regularly even if you do not want to workout. - 17273

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