Stretching is Vital

Muscles and ligaments get tight after strenuous workout sessions.  when we are properly motivated, in particular to achieve a specific goal, we fully invest ourselves into leaving an attitude of "no pain, no gain."  ow do we get rid of that pain in order to gain more so we can achieve our fitness goals?  Simply by stretching out our muscles and fueling them with the right nutrients is were we can get the most out of our body.

The best time to stretch is at the conclusion of your workout.  Your muscles are warm, blood is circulating to the joints and ligaments, also stretching at the end of your exercise provides as an effective cool down.  Below I have my top five stretches listed for all major body parts. First some helpful reminders are needed to clearly understand what you are about to engage in. Each stretch should not exceed 30 seconds and treated with compassion.  Know your limits and do restrain yourself from forcing.  This will only irritate the body part causing injury.

1. V stretch (standing) - for the hamstrings

2. half pigeon - for the quadriceps 

3. backward bend (camel) - lower back, front hip

4. pectoral/upper back stretch

5. Deltoid Stretch - shoulders and upper back

These five stretches massages your muscles into elongating the total body and contributes towards lean muscle development.  The soreness you get the next day from a workout will be there but now the additional stretching will allow you to gain more for your next workout.