Basic Stretching Exercise Routines Prior to Sport

Everyone ends up doing some exercising activity at some time; whether it is a regular workout, a sport or a game that you enjoy. Whatever the reason for your physical activity, you will undoubtedly end up pushing your body hard at some point. When this chance occurs, you should be prepared for the strain your body will receive. The best way to do this is to be certain to do some basic stretching exercises before you partaking in strenuous training workouts of any type. Stretching exercises can also help your balance and coordination as they can be a basic balance exercises in their own right. One should always make sure to stretch your shoulders and neck, your arms, and your back and legs, all of which are likely to be used and are more than likely to be strained or injured.

Some Basic Stretching Routines:

Neck Stretching Exercise Routines
It is important to stretch your neck because having tight neck muscles can lead to headaches and backaches, and you can cause serious injuries if you are not careful. Neck stretches are Essential to perform. Simply stand with your shoulders loose and your arms straight down, and then turn your neck forward, back, and side to side, holding each position for a count of five. This stretches your neck muscles and can be easily performed anywhere.

Upper Arms/Shoulder Stretches
The simplest stretch you cancomplete for your shoulders and upper arms is to take an arm and crook it around your neck so that you have your elbow pointing straight in front of you and your hand resting flat on the opposing shoulder blade. Hold that for about ten to 10 to 15 seconds and then alternate arms. This loosens up your upper arms and shoulders. You can also stand with your feet apart, knees slightly flexed and raise your arms overhead, holding an elbow with the opposite hand and bending in the same direction as the arm holding the elbow (so if your left hand is holding your right elbow, bend to the left). Hold it for 10 to 15 counts, and then repeating on the opposing side.

Back Stretches
Most stretching exercise routines are going to inadvertently stretch your back too, but if you want to concentrate on your back for a stretch, try this one. Simply stand with your hands on your hips, turn your torso around with your feet flat on the ground and hold it for ten to fifteen seconds. Repeat this move in the other direction. This is a great stretching exercise prior to doing core stability exercise routines.

Legs Stretches
Legs should receive plenty of stretching concentration as no matter what you are doing, your legs are doing a workout. A simple stretch for your quads is to stand straight up and lift one leg up, cross it over your backside and hold onto your foot. Hold this position for 10 to 15 counts and then do the other leg. Another one is to do a partial lunge: Place your hands on a wall and stretch out one leg, keeping the opposite one bent at a straight angle. Keep your feet lined up, one behind the other and hold for 10 to 15 counts. Then switch legs. A final one is to stretch your ankles by simply standing on one foot and gently rotating your opposite foot and ankle, then repeat for the opposing ankle.

It is very important to stretch before engaging in any kind of sports or physical activity. These are just a few ways to stretch; really, you can do any sort of movement as long as you do it slowly, steadily and it forces your muscles to limber up and stretch out. Once you’re done, you will not only be ready to play or exercise with a better degree of safety, but you’ll also feel more like participating since the stretching will get your blood flowing and you’ll be pumped to get going.

Tags: Backaches, Balance And Coordination, Balance Exercises, Exercise Routines, Headaches, Knees, Left Hand, Legs, Neck Stretches, Physical Activity, Right Elbow, Shoulder Blade, Shoulders, Sport Game, Stretching Exercise, Stretching Exercises, Stretching Routines, Tight Neck Muscles, Workout, Workouts