Many people should probably exercise more often and with more intensity. Now is the time to kick excuses out the door, because you're about to learn how to reduce your risk of sore muscles. You'll feel so good that you will be motivated to make time in your day to exercise. So get started!
Okay, so now you might be thinking about where to start. Should you warm up or stretch first? Here's the simple answer - both.
Start with a good warm-up to lower your risk of having sore muscles the next day. Warming up your muscles (especially the major muscle groups you'll be using during exercise) is one of the best ways to prevent muscle stiffness and injury. A good warm-up consists of moving your body by slowly walking, gently jogging, and light participation in the activity you're warming up for. The goal is to increase your heart rate a little bit, which increases your muscles' temperature so they move more easily. Your warm-up period doesn't have to take long, either. Five minutes or so will do the trick.
Once you've revved up your body with a good warm-up, you're ready to start stretching. Stretches are most beneficial when you hold them for at least 30 seconds, but a good rule of thumb is to start by holding a stretch for just five seconds and work your way up to 30 seconds as your body gets used to the stretching and exercise. As you stretch, be sure not to bounce as this action can increase your risk of injury. If you're not sure how to stretch or you want to make sure you are performing your warm-up and stretching properly, visit your local gym for advice.
It's true that the warm-up period of your exercise is more self explanatory than stretching, so here are a few simple stretching techniques and positions that may help.
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