Sports Stretching

You’ve probably been told many times by former coaches and gym teachers to stretch before you exercise, but do you know why? At Robinson Family Chiropractic, our team constantly promotes stretching before exercise because stretching improves flexibility, decreases the risk of injury to muscles and stretching keeps your body limber by releasing muscle tension and tightness.

Not all types of stretching are equal, so the type of stretches as well as the timing makes a difference in flexibility and exercise. If your current stretching routine doesn't appear to improve overall flexibility, then you may want to consider making some changes. Before you begin stretching, you must make sure to do it safely. Here are a few tips:

• Focus on major muscle groups: calves, thighs, hips, lower back, neck and shoulders
• Hold your stretch: try holding each stretch for about 30 seconds at a time. In problem areas, you may need to hold for about 60 seconds
• Feel the burn: expect to feel the tension while you’re stretching, not pain. If you begin to hurt, you’ve pushed too far
• Be sport specific: make sure to stretch for the sport you’re participating in
• Move around: gentle movement while you’re stretching can help you become more flexible