Is stretching that important?

The one thing of real concern with the undertaking of this exercise program is that many of the family members have done little to no exercise for years and someone may over do it. A great way to avoid injury involves proper stretching.

One of the most crucial parts of your workout is the cool-down stretches. Stretching keeps your connective tissues elastic. It also helps your body flush out the lactic acid that accumulates in your muscles after exercise- the same lactic acid that contributes to achy muscles. Finally, stretching improves the range of motion in your joints and muscles and helps relieve stress and prevent injuries.

Stretching is especially important as we get older. As we age, our joints tend to lose some of their flexibility, but this tendency can be combated by regular stretching. The younger you are when you start stretching, the more flexible you'll be as you get older. If you're over the age of fifty and just starting to stretch, don't worry. It's never too late to benefit from slow stretches.

A stretching should focus on static stretch - a slow, gradual, and controlled movement that brings the muscles through the full range of motion and holds them for ten to fifteen seconds. To stretch properly:

1. Stretch your muscles when they are warm, not cold.
2. Breathe deeply while you stretch. If you inhale as you begin your stretch and exhale as you hold your stretch, you'll find that your muscles extend comfortably even further.
3. Move into the stretch until you feel a light tension- but no pain. The stretch should feel good, even if it makes your muscle feel slightly achy.
4. Release the stretch slowly. Never bounce or jerk out of a stretch; that can trigger the stretch reflex, which causes the muscle to tighten, rather than relax.

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