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 How to Stretch
Stretching is easy to learn, easy to perform and has a large range of benefits to your physical and mental well-being.
Stretching regularly will increase your flexibility, which will reduce your risk of injury when exercising.
It is not only important to stretch prior to and after exercise, but also regularly through the week.
This will ensure that your muscles are long and flexible and ready to help you perform at your best.
Stretching properly should take you approximately 10 to 15 minutes and include the major muscles of the body.
If possible a gentle warm up before stretching is recommended as this warms the muscles by increasing their blood flow, which will make stretching more efficient and effective.
When stretching remember the following points:
- Always stretch to the point of tension, not to the point of pain.
- Stretches must be held for at least 15 seconds to be effective.
- Do not bounce when stretching, just hold at the point of tension.
- Remember keep breathing whilst you stretch, your muscles need oxygen.
Remember that when we play sport, we not only play to win, but we also play for fun, enjoyment and stress relief.
Stick within the rules of your sport and within your own physical capabilities and you are guaranteed of a good time.
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