by Barnaby Meins

Created on: January 12, 2008

Our amazing body is very flexible. This is apparent in the way you stretch out to reach the can at the top of a shelf and how you can twist your way to scratch your back. Even the act of walking, jumping or sitting requires a great deal of flexibility in our limbs and trunk.

No doubt, these are usual motions that we take for granted. There is not much effort in carrying them out as you merely stretched out a bit. However, if you are having trouble in doing such acts, then it is time you need to stretch yourself. Also, if you are starting out on a sporting activity or some exercise program, you should all the more engage in stretching because they require much more effort than the normal motions we encounter everyday.

In essence, stretching is basically the act of extending your body part to its possible full length. To do so, one usually straightens the particular body structure. Stretching is fairly easy. As mentioned earlier, some stretching is naturally involved in our daily normal activities. Of course, it can be carried out by anyone, regardless of how old he or she is. Also, simple stretches can be done on a daily basis by incorporating it into one's lifestyle and activities. What is more is that it does not take much of your time and it costs you nothing.

Nonetheless, the body's ability to stretch differs from one person to another. It also tends to decline with age. This is because the muscles become stiffer and the range of joint movements is minimized as a person grows older. Since this can bring problems to an active lifestyle, that is why stretching regularly, as a routine is very important.

As mentioned, stretching should be part and parcel of any physical training or sports activity. It should be carried out first before the proper activity as stretching well prepares the body for any form of vigorous activity. When athletes do the sit and reach, where they sit on the ground, extend their legs and reach the tip of their foot with the tip of their hand, they are actually stretching their leg muscles. In sports, most coach call for their players to do the stretching before playing.

According to sports experts, the ideal length of time spent on stretching is about 10 minutes. During this period, the body is given enough chance to flex and move he muscles, therefore preparing them for more rigorous and strenuous motions. Stretching beyond the suggested 10 minutes is not as efficient. Doing so for even longer period of more than 20 minutes tires out the

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