Quick Tips: Stretching

If you've attended one of our Boot Camp classes before, then without a doubt you've heard your trainer scream, "If you can't touch your toes, you need yoga in your life!" Stretching is such an important part of staying healthy. It can help increase your athletic performance and decrease your risk of injury. DumBell Fitness is so dedicated to stretching that we're planning to debut a Yoga class in September! 

Stretching basics:

1. Aim for a total of 10 minutes of stretching a day. Stretch both the front and back of each muscle. Make sure to hold each stretch for 10-30 seconds.
   
   
2. The best time to stretch is when your muscles are already warm. Stretching right after a work out or right after getting out of a warm bath or shower is ideal.
   
   
3. Don't bounce while stretching. Hold the pose steady. You want to feel the tension of the stretch, but you don't want to push yourself to the point of pain. You might injure yourself further.
   
   
4. Yoga is a great way to get a deep stretch, and is a great way to relieve tightness from running or to help with injuries. Take a class, or even use a DVD until you learn the poses.
   
   
5. Be consistent! Just like exercise, you'll see the most benefits from stretching if you do it regularly!