Why do I need to stretch after a workout?
There are many reasons you should incorporate at least 5 to 10 minutes of stretches after your workout. The first is using it as a cool down after raising your heart rate. This is a healthy way to bring your heart rate back down before continuing your day. The second big reason to stretch is to reduce risk of future injury by improving muscle elasticity. This will limit the strain that a workout can have on your muscles and joints. Last but not least, stretches help flush out something called "lactic acid" which builds up during a workout and is responsible for that sore, achy feeling the next day. Stretches increase blood flow and in turn help prevent some of the lactic acid from accumulating in the muscles.
Top Stretches for Athletes
Seated Hamstring Stretch
This is probably one of the most popular and a general indicator of good flexibility. If you can't reach your toes yet, start of slow and reach for your calves first- with consistency your flexibility will improve!
Downward Dog
This stretch is ideal for relieving tension from the back and shoulders, while stretching the back of the legs.
Butterfly Stretch
This stretch is ideal for stretching out the groin. Since it is one of the most commonly pulled muscles in sports, it's important to keep this area relaxed and flexible.
Cross Body Arm Stretch
This is a common upper body movement to incorporate into your stretches that affects the entire back and shoulders. Definitely popular in sports like football and baseball where the majority of the sport relies on the upper body.
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Happy Healing!