How to stretch for flexibility without injuring yourself!

See the full post at: http://fitnessreloaded.com/2011/12/episode-how-stretch-for-flexibility-withou...

Whenever I go to group classes I see stretching being taught the wrong way.

Bounces? Nahh, bouncing risks injuring.

Doing it while cold? Agh, more injury risks.

Actually getting injured? Mandatory abstain from exercise, and pain...

I've been injured over and over... Until I learned how to stretch the right way.

Today's post is about increasing your flexibility and range of motion, without sacrificing your safety!
1. No gain with pain

The most fundamental rule of stretching is that it should never, never, hurt. Now that we have established we can move forward.
2. It's better to stretch after your workout, as your muscles are already warm

Warm muscles respond better to stretching, and decrease the risk of injury.
3. How to stretch properly Get into a position where you just feel the stretch a little bit and hold it for 15 sec. Those 15 sec should allow you to feel more and more comfortable. This is called the "easy stretch". Once the 15 sec are done, then push just a little bit more (remember: no pain!). Hold this for another 15 sec.

That was it! You just completed 1 set!

Oh right, you said you want to increase your flexibility?

Then, sorry, 1 set is not enough.
4. How to stretch to increase your flexibility Do 2-4 sets of each stretch. Notice how your body feels more and more comfortable, as you get deeper into the stretch with every set. Stretch at least 4 times a week. The reason is that with every stretch you are elongating your muscles. Then in the next 24-48 hours your muscles will want to go back to their original length. To stop this, you need to stretch at least every other day so that you keep lengthening your muscles (and getting more more and flexible as you do this!).

As I write this, I realize I've been sitting for a long time today... I think I should do a few exercises to wake my body up and then stretch? What a great idea! ;)

In the meantime, would you share this video with your friends on facebook or on twitter? Thanks! :)

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[Ethan0Prayer]

Great video thanks

[FitnessReloaded]

@Ethan0Prayer Thanks!

[gardenmannn]

beautiful lady