Home and Garden Diva

You are here: Home / Archives for stretching

Stretching Routines for Dynamic and Static Stretches

by



Perhaps you know that there are quite a few benefits to giving your muscles a good stretch. But did you know that there are actually two different kinds of stretches? These movements are known as static and dynamic stretches.


A dynamic stretching routine is most often performed just prior to a vigorous physical activity such as a workout at the gym, a dance class, or a sporting event. A dynamic stretch utilizes muscle movement during the stretching routine.

On the other hand, a static stretch refers to a position that is held for a number of seconds, at least ten, before relaxing the muscle.

Both of these stretching routines have pluses and minuses, depending on your needs. Static stretches particularly seem to cause controversy among fitness experts. Even though stretching has been a part of fitness programs for any number of years, experts still disagree over the benefits of the various styles.

Static Stretches

Static stretches are generally done just before a vigorous aerobic workout or an extended weight training session. The benefits of static stretches for your muscles are impressive, and include a boost in performance of your blood circulation. Improved circulation leads to oxygen being delivered more efficiently to the muscles and organs.

The benefits of stretching your muscles are best achieved by doing a variety of stretches each targeted to a different area of your body such as the chest, legs, arms, neck, and back.

Stretching Dynamically

Serious athletes tend to favor dynamic stretching routines for the benefits they provide. But they have benefits even if you’re not heading into an intense workout. While performing these kinds of stretches, you will want to move around while trying to get the maximum stretch out of your muscles.

By performing a dynamic stretching routine, you won’t have to wait for your muscles to warm up and reach maximum capacity. Revving up quickly into a demanding activity often results in a variety of injuries, from cramps to strains to sprains.

Now you know that dynamic and static stretching routines play different roles. The choice is yours depending on the fitness program you’ve committed to.

Neck and Back Stretches for Beginners

by

There are virtually hundreds of different stretching routines for your neck and back that are simple to do and produce results. If you’re just starting out, try these simple techniques to help you loosen up.

Beginner Back Stretch

The basic back stretch is one of the most effective stretches you can do to benefit your lumbar region. Here’s what you do: Standing upright, contract your abs as you bend forward at the hips, lowering your hands to the floor. Relax the head downwards and push using the fingertips; feel the stretch in the back as you do this. Maintain this position for 30 seconds (if it’s too hard at the start, work up gradually to this length of time).

Wide Back and Shoulder Stretch

This stretch should directly follow the basic back stretch. With your hands remaining on the floor, set your feet wide apart and position your arms inside your legs. Lift your hands off the floor and wrap your arms around the back of the calves, then grasp your ankles. Gently pull with your hands, which will open up your shoulders and stretch your upper back. Hold this position for up to 30 seconds.

Shoulder Rolls

Shoulder rolls are the easiest stretches around. Either sitting or standing upright, rotate your shoulders upwards, backwards, down then forward. Begin with a small circular movement, then gradually increase it to a larger circle. Do 10 circles in the backwards direction, then reverse direction and do 10 repetitions going forward.

Remember that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so take precautions in order to avoid having to deal with neck and back pain in the first place. Good posture is critical. Take care when lifting heavy objects. You need to bend down, then use your legs instead of your back to carry the load when you lift.

Your sleeping habits also play a part in preventing back and neck discomfort. You need a supportive mattress and pillow, and make sure the room temperature is comfortable so you’re not tossing and turning all night long. Stretching lightly just before you go to bed will lead to relaxed muscles and a peaceful sleep.

Meta

Tags

basement bed bedroom clean cleaning clutter dog exercise family fitness flowers friends Furniture garden Health help home house husband ideas Kitchen laptop Lighting money Music neighborhood neighbors party plants room Shopping sick skin spring summer tips tired Toronto Travel tv Vacation walking warm winter work

Pages