The Importance of Sports Stretching
Stretching is always important when you are partaking in any sort of physical activity, especially when it comes to something as strenuous as sports. There are actual specific sports stretching exercises that you can do in order to warm up your body and get it ready for the activity.
Sports Stretching - The Basics
When it comes to sports stretching there are a variety of different stretches that are useful but basic tips in particular that you should know. It is important to focus on stretching the muscles that you are going to be using most for your particular sport, and to perform balanced stretching.
You should avoid over-stretching, so do not think that just because you stretch more you are going to be doing better for yourself because actually the opposite is true. By over-stretching you will instead be pushing your muscles too far and they will most likely begin to swell and become sore.
You should never jerk or bounce around while you are stretching and also don't forget to breathe, because flexibility exercises should always be relaxing and calming.
There are a few areas of the body that you should always focus on when it comes to sports stretching. The hamstrings for one, and here you should sit on the floor with one leg straight out in front of you and the other bent. Then you want to keep your back straight and lean forward from the hips, sliding your arms forward towards your outstretched foot. Stop as soon as you feel a slight pull in the hamstring, and then hold for 15 seconds and repeat with the other leg extended.
Hips are also important in any sports stretching, and here you can lie on your back, bend your left leg and then bring it close towards you. Grasp your left knee gently with your right hand. Now you want to pull it slightly down and to the right, but just until you feel a stretch. Now turn your head to the left, keeping your right leg flat on the floor. You should hold this for about ten seconds, then repeat after you have switched legs.
Stretching plays a very important role in the preparation of any athlete, and helps by managing the muscle imbalances that occur as a result of the athlete's growing body. Sports stretching will also help in flexibility which is critical for sport, blood circulation in the muscle, relaxation in the muscle, decrease in the sensation of tightness in the muscle, and psychological preparation as well.
By incorporating a proper and regular stretching and flexibility program before participating in sports you will improve your range of motion, improve your posture and circulation, decrease joint stiffness, decrease muscle tension, improve overall performance, improve your ability to relax, and allow time for mental training.
