So far in my past blogs I have covered two types of preparing your body for exercise. I listed a few different ways to raise your core temperature (Jumping Rope, Running, Air Dyne, etc.) and how to properly stretch before exercise using dynamic stretching movements. In this blog I will focus on proper ways to complete a cool down after exercise and stretching your muscles to increase flexibility and prevent injury.
First thing you need to focus on is that static stretching is very important post-workout and works to your benefit much more after working out then before. After your body has warmed up and your workout is completed is the best time to stretch your muscles. Static stretching is the type of stretch you complete with a hold in a still position. This helps elongates your muscles and helps create flexibility when your body is in its prime time for stretching with the least chance of injury.
Secondly, you need to make time for your post-workout stretching which seems to be the biggest problem for most people. You made time to eat this morning, have your coffee, drive to the gym, and complete your workout. That means you have time to complete your post-workout stretch! It is an essential part of your training just as much as eating, exercising, and sleeping. To continue training as you get older you must focus on the small things such as regeneration and flexibility. Being proactive is a great way to prevent injury and continue training hard day in and day out.
Lastly, if you want results and want to continue training you need to be willing to learn. You have spent most of your life learning in school or working hard with your career which means you know a thing or two about paying attention. When you come to train or you read the blogs and articles, pay attention! Anyone can show up to the gym and get their butts kicked by a trainer but people who truly progress are the ones that understand and acknowledge what it is they are pushing their bodies to do. So pay attention to the warm-ups, the workouts, and the stretches to help yourself benefit on the days you workout alone or somewhere new. To learn a little more, check out Coach Joe’s Flexibility 101 article.
First thing you need to focus on is that static stretching is very important post-workout and works to your benefit much more after working out then before. After your body has warmed up and your workout is completed is the best time to stretch your muscles. Static stretching is the type of stretch you complete with a hold in a still position. This helps elongates your muscles and helps create flexibility when your body is in its prime time for stretching with the least chance of injury.
Secondly, you need to make time for your post-workout stretching which seems to be the biggest problem for most people. You made time to eat this morning, have your coffee, drive to the gym, and complete your workout. That means you have time to complete your post-workout stretch! It is an essential part of your training just as much as eating, exercising, and sleeping. To continue training as you get older you must focus on the small things such as regeneration and flexibility. Being proactive is a great way to prevent injury and continue training hard day in and day out.
Lastly, if you want results and want to continue training you need to be willing to learn. You have spent most of your life learning in school or working hard with your career which means you know a thing or two about paying attention. When you come to train or you read the blogs and articles, pay attention! Anyone can show up to the gym and get their butts kicked by a trainer but people who truly progress are the ones that understand and acknowledge what it is they are pushing their bodies to do. So pay attention to the warm-ups, the workouts, and the stretches to help yourself benefit on the days you workout alone or somewhere new. To learn a little more, check out Coach Joe’s Flexibility 101 article.
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