Understanding the difference between dynamic and static stretching is essential for improving muscle elasticity and preventing injury. Discover targeted stretches for tight hamstrings and learn how to safely relieve a stiff neck or heel cord tension.
Stretching requires temporary lengthening of your muscle fibers. It is best to partake in flexibility training after a light warmup; this allows increased blood flow to the muscles which in turn increases mobility.
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Your heel cords, or Achilles tendons, connect your lower calves to your heel bone and are made up of a strong, fibrous tissues that do not have much range of motion. Stretching your heel cords should improve their mobility without compromising their role to stabilize your joints.
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Your triceps muscles are on the back of your upper arms. They contract when you straighten your arm and lock your elbows. The triceps fire up when you perform pushing or pressing movements, including pushups and the bench press. They also play a key role in throwing sports.
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There are two types of splits, namely the front split and the side splint. In the front split, one leg is stretched in front of you and the other, behind you. In the side split, both legs are stretched out to your sides.
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You might think that stretching is only for athletes, but everyone can benefit from stretching exercises. Stretching is an important component of physical fitness, according to the American Council on Exercise -- and without it, your joints can stiffen and your risk of injury increases.
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The biceps femoris is considered the "lateral" hamstring muscle and helps you to bend your knee in the same way that your biceps enables you to bend your elbow. This muscle attaches to the back of your thighbone and sit bone and then runs down the outside of your leg to attach to the calf bone.
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Increased height is a desire you might have. Some people have tried surgery, medicine, growth supplements and even acupressure. These treatments can be expensive and results are not guaranteed. However, certain stretching exercises can help lengthen your body, as well as give you proper alignment and posture.
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Building muscle and burning fat are both essential factors to creating a fit, healthy body, but flexibility is just as important. To maintain proper fitness, take part in different activities that help to stretch and lengthen your muscles.
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Reaching down and touching your toes for a long hold doesn't seem like an intense workout because, well, it's not. You still burn calories while holding static stretches, but that's because your body's engine is always churning to keep you alive.
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Stretching increases your range of motion and ensures that you can function normally both during exercise and during everyday activities. Different types of stretches exist, and while some may be more beneficial than others, incorporating stretching into your exercise routine helps to improve overall flexibility.
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The arch of your foot is supported by a thin ligament that connects the front to your heel. If this support band becomes stiff or inflamed, you may have plantar fasciitis, a condition that causes pain along the arch of the foot when running, toe walking, jumping or using the affected foot in other ways.
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Attempting to incorporate exercise into a morning routine can be quite the challenge. The American College of Sports Medicine, however, suggests that certain types of exercise -- such as stretching -- can be especially effective in the early morning hours. All you need is an extra few minutes.
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Your fingers play an important role in everyday tasks including typing, cleaning, getting yourself ready in the morning and participating in exercise. Tendons in your fingers may become tight as the result of overuse injuries, such as tendinitis, or traumatic injuries, including fracturing a finger.
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Stretching your hip muscles and joints decreases your risk of low back and knee pain, according to physical therapist Gray Cook, author of "Movement."
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Your adductor magnus is the largest muscle in your groin. This muscle has two parts -- the hamstring and adductor parts. The two parts work together to help with hip adduction, flexion and extension.
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Dynamic stretches put your joints and muscles through a range of motion. These help you warm up and loosen up, preparing your muscles and joints for the strenuous activity of weightlifting. However, you shouldn't do static stretches that involve gradually easing into a stretch, and holding the position.
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Whether you are suffering from simple muscular tension, whiplash or something worse, neck pain can severely limit your daily activities and enjoyment of life. Because the neck has so many muscles and must work to hold the head erect, it is especially susceptible to injury and soreness.
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Torticollis is both a diagnosis and a description of a medical problem where the muscles in the side of the neck are in a prolonged state of contraction or spasm, causing the head to tilt and twist to the side. The term comes from the Latin words for wry neck.
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The ability to kick your leg high in the air is a must if you practice dance, cheerleading or gymnastics. Often more challenging than they look, high kicks require you to balance on one leg while the other is extended gracefully into the air as high as possible.
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A flexible back makes cheerleading elements, such as tumbling, stunting and jumps, easier to perform. Tight back muscles can limit your range of movement, cause pain and increase your risk of injury.
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