 |
Stretching ExercisesSo why are Stretching Exercises so overlooked and neglected by many bodybuilders...both beginning, intermediate, and advanced? The answer is not straight forward...only to point out that gaining muscle flexibility will prime your muscle strength before a brutalizing weight training session. Muscle, tendon, ligament, and joint structures are flexible...which means that they are prone to stiffening after long periods of being inactivity. This is why you should always stretch in order to prevent unforeseen injuries. Not only will you expand your full range of muscular motion...which will allow you to expand and contract your muscles in a larger range, but you may also notice a substantial increase in your weight training routine for that given day. Don't spend too much of your time and energy on any given stretching routine...unless you have flexibility problems or have specific injured areas you are currently training as part of a rehabilitation program. As a rule of thumb, spend about 10-minutes both before and after your workout for a total of 10 basic stretching exercises. About a 1-minute per stretching routine. This is the bare minimum. You be the judge of how much stretching is necessary. Listen to your body. When doing your stretching routine...be sure that these are smooth and gentle movements. Nothing fast and abrupt should be done since the muscle will counter act this, and you will not experience the full effect of your stretching efforts. Extend your muscles gently and slowly. Hold that position for about 30-seconds or longer. You should feel your target tendon relaxing, therefore receiving the full benefit of your efforts. The following is a list of Exercises, which I consider to be a great starting point for your muscle building efforts... Upper Body
Mid-Section
Lower Body
Return Back to Body Part Exercises. Return Back to Begin Building Muscle Home Page From Stretching Exercises.
|
