Stretch Toward Good Health
Posted By Tanja Djelevic On March 30, 2010 @ 2:40 pm In Fitness | No Comments
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Cardio and strength training oftentimes take center stage, but flexibility exercises are just as important in your fitness routine. Regular stretching can increase your range of motion, improve balance and posture and reduce the risk of injury. It can also improve circulation and relieve stress [2]. And if that’s not enough, it actually feels good!
Flexibility training may include yoga [3], Pilates [4], t’ai chi [5] or stretching exercises [6] done post-workout. (To prevent injury, it’s important to stretch muscles when they’re warm.) If you haven’t given much thought to stretching before, check out these links and leave any questions you might have in Gaiam’s comments section below. I’ll delve into some specific flexibility exercises in future posts.
• ACE’s Top Ten Reasons to Stretch [7]
• Stretching: Focus on flexibility [8]
• The dos and don’ts of stretching [9]
Don’t forget to stretch and Live Life Loud!
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[1] Image: http://blog.gaiam.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/womenstretching-WEB.jpg
[2] relieve stress: http://www.gaiam.com/product/qigong+beginning+practice+dvd.do?SID=WG107SPRTAPEMACS
[3] yoga: http://life.gaiam.com/gaiam/p/Yoga-Answers-and-Solutions-Goto-Guide.html
[4] Pilates: http://life.gaiam.com/gaiam/p/PilatesAConversationwithPilatesexpertAna.html
[5] t’ai chi: http://life.gaiam.com/gaiam/p/More-Studies-Confirming-Medical-Benefits-of-Qigong-and-Tai-Chi.html
[6] stretching exercises: http://life.gaiam.com/gaiam/p/SHAPE-4Minute-TimeCrunch-Stretch-Routine.html
[7] ACE’s Top Ten Reasons to Stretch: http://www.acefitness.org/updateable/update_display.aspx?CMP=HET_0807&pageID=520
[8] Stretching: Focus on flexibility: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stretching/HQ01447
[9] The dos and don’ts of stretching: http://www.realbuzz.com/articles/the-dos-and-don-ts-of-stretching/
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