BY RYAN HAUGHEY
FITNESS
Tune in the static (stretching) Static stretching can help your overall health
W
hen you think of an exercise program, your mind probably visualizes aerobic movements and muscular conditioning. While stretching should be an essential component of any fitness plan, it is often the most neglected. Including static stretches in your fitness routine will provide your body with many advantages. Static stretching can increase your body’s range of motion (ROM) helping your body move more freely and efficiently, reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), de-stress your mind and body, and balance out your body. Improving your ROM can help to reduce injuries, sprains and strains which can occur when your body’s joints, such as your knees, hips, shoulders or ankles, have restrictions that do not allow proper movement. By performing static stretching at the end of any workout, you can help reduce the
stiffness and soreness that can follow one to two days after working out. Taking time to stretch in a comfortable position that requires minimal exertion, where you can relax and focus on slow breathing, you can reduce the feelings of stress throughout your body. If you have poor flexibility in one or more muscle groups, this can lead to muscular imbalances or poor posture. When one side of your body is tight, it can slowly pull on joints causing alignment issues and increase the risk of injuries. Therefore, by incorporating stretching, you can help to release muscles that are too tight, and slowly help your body get back into proper alignment and balance out your body. When it comes to stretching, it is important to find the time after a workout or throughout your day to keep your body healthy. Before you get into deep stretching, it is important to make sure your body is warmed up to
help maximize the stretches you will be performing. If you do not have the time to warm up before stretching, it is very important to go into your stretches slowly and to stop at the position where you are just starting to feel the stretch, then repeat those stretches one to two more times to get a deeper stretch. The stretch can be held anywhere from 15 seconds to 30 seconds, and you want to make sure you are moving in a pain free range of motion to help reduce the risk of injury. Ryan Haughey B.S. CPT ACE, SASTM is the fitness manager and personal trainer at the University Club of Michigan State University. Call him at (517) 353.5113.
NEW POOL OPENING SUMMER 2018!
Zero-depth entry area
Adults-only area with hot tub & fire pit
Join us for summer fun!
Kidz Camps • Swim Team • Summer Parties Outdoor Fitness Classes • Swim Lessons & Lap Swim Weekly Float Nights & Teen Nights • Dining Specials
Membership is open to all. Call us at 517-353-5111 to learn more and arrange a personal tour. w w w . u n iver s ity c lu b o fmsu . org • 3 435 Forest R d . La ns i n g, M I 4 891 0 www.healthyandfitmagazine.com
19
