You will always be advised to make sure before you start any form of fitness training program to carry out warm up exercises to lower the risk of injury later on. Exercising can be further improved by learning some other points related to this.
You are less likely to strain or pull a warm muscle than a cold one but it is just as beneficial to have a cool down exercise period after a workout has been completed. Almost everyone knows that stretching before workout prevents injuries, but only a few people know that stretching after workout, when muscles are still warm, can increase flexibility.
While holding a position for a mere twenty seconds is enough for a warm, to really get the benefit when you have completed your workout you need to hold that position for a good minute. The best method to achieve this is to stretch slowly and return to your original position slowly as this will prevent any jerking movements which could cause injury.
The way to do this is to maintain the position of a few seconds and then return because it is possible to either strain or pull muscles or joints if you return to the starting position too quickly. Work slowly in increments instead of immediately proceeding to doing the hardest exercise or position so make sure that you have stretched or warmed up all muscle groups.
A neck workout is as important as the rest of your body and is quite easy, only requiring pressure from the palm of the hand as it rests against the forehead which can then be repeated at the side of the head and the back. Stretch regularly before fitness training to continually increase your range of movements and your level of flexibility and strength.
Workout only to your capabilities and not that of others so do not force yourself to do exercises that you are not yet capable of just because there are people who can do it; increase your limits slowly and listen to your body. There is no set standard you have to achieve each time you attend the gym, just work to your abilities each time, you will know when it does not feel right to continue so listen to your body as no-one is at their peak every time they workout.
If you are someone who goes to the gym for fitness training every day then remember to alternate the muscle groups as they need to rest and grow for a day before being used again. Increasing your lung capacity, which means you won't get out of breath so easily and heart improvement exercises like walking, running and rowing for instance are the best to start with and you will find weight machines much easier to use.
It is well known that music makes exercise easier as the beat is something you can follow and these days the tiny mp3 players can be attached without too much bother. Even if you do not intend to workout, stretching is an excellent way for the body to relax, especially if you find yourself in one position for a good deal of the day. Apart from preventing injuries and increasing your limit, it is also said that stretching is good for a tired body and also for a stressed mind and spirit.
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