STRETCHING: WHY IT’S IMPORTANT AND HOW TO DO IT

Stretching is extremely important for a few reasons. First, your muscles being for flexible and more pliable help promote proper form in your lifts. Stretching will also allow for a greater range of motion through your lifts. Being flexible will also help reduce the chance of injury and assist in correcting muscle imbalances. Along with all of this, a common result when accompanied by resistance training is a reduction in the amount of everyday aches and pains.

Hold each stretch for 6-30 seconds. By holding for 6 or more seconds, you will be able to increase reach of the stretch. Stay under 30 seconds to resist over-stretching. Stretch at the end of every resistance training session and stretch the muscle groups that you worked.

About this Author

After graduating from the National Personal Training Institute (NPTI) in Richmond Heights Ohio, Mat sat for and passed the test to earn his CSCS (certified strength and conditioning specialist). After spending over one and a half years of training in a gym setting, and becoming and instructor at NPTI, Matt started MK Fitness as a one-on-one or small group personal training company.