STRETCHING YOUR WORKOUT BENEFITS

An issue of The Physician and Sports Medicine confirms one of many mantras (which many patients just don’t believe) – namely, it doesn’t matter weather or not you stretch before participating in a sport or workout. Injuries will often occur regardless of stretching, but it is critical that you participate in the sport’s actions before the game begins. This routine is much more important than a pregame stretch. Before a tennis match, for example, always practice with your opponent.

For running, the first 200-400 yards of a run at 75-85 percent of your maximum intensity will suffice. For weight lifting, complete five reps of each exercise with 50 percent of your one-rep max. In the case of muscles that are worked by more than one exercise per season, just choose the more common one. Participating in the sport’s action at a reduced level prior to full action is all the stretching you need. A flexibility program is, however, important at the end of a game, run or workout. And stretching six times throughout the day, every day – for five minutes per session – is much more beneficial than 30 minutes every morning.