After a rigorous workout, intense run or an indoor cycling session your tired muscles deserve some love and care. Pamper your body after exercising and your body will benefit from it. A few calming stretches can help you to relax, cool down, loosen up your joints, speed circulation, kick start your recovery process and slow down your heart rate. The benefits are endless. Post workout stretches are an important way to prevent your body from any athletic injury that is why the personal trainers at AfterBurn Fitness, the most popular fitness club in Valencia stress on stretching regularly after exercising.
Here are seven must-do soothing moves that can help you to relieve and relax your muscles.
Forward Bend:
Sit on the floor with your legs extended. Keep your back straight as you bend forward and try to reach your toes. Hold in this position for a few seconds. This relaxing move reduces fat, invigorates internal organs and stimulates your entire nervous system.
Hamstring Stretch:
Lie down with your back against the floor and lift your right while keeping it as straight as possible. You have to keep your left leg straight and pull the right leg towards your chest. Hold your leg in this position for about 30 seconds and repeat with the opposite leg to derive maximum benefit.
Shoulder Stretch:
Stand with your feet shoulder width apart. Raise your right arm up to the shoulder height, move it across your body and hold it straight. With your left arm, grasp your right elbow and pull it as close to your chest as possible. Repeat this four to six times and then go over with your left arm.
Buttock Stretch:
Lie on your back and bring your knees close to your chest. Cross your right leg over the left thigh and hold the left leg with both hands. Now, pull your left leg towards your chest and hold for 20 to 30 seconds. Repeat the same move with the other leg.
Runner’s Lunge:
Stand about ten inches away from a wall or a tree with both your palms placed on it. Bend your left knee forward and move your right foot approximately two feet behind your left foot. Keep your right foot with heels flat on the ground. Hold in this position for a few seconds and then repeat on the opposite side. It is great to loosen the muscles in the lower part of your legs.
Tipover Tuck:
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Next, interlace your hands at your back with the palms pressing against each other. Now bend forward while pressing your navel towards your spine and putting your weight on your toes. This soothing move targets your hamstrings, lower back, chest and shoulders.
Quadricep Stretch:
Stand with your feet together and arms relaxed by your side. Keeping straight, carefully bend your right knee back and move your right foot towards your buttocks. Grasp your right foot with your hand and hold for a few seconds. Repeat this exercise with your left leg. It is especially good for those people who perform high amounts of cardiovascular exercises and strength training.
Besides, stretching after your workout regimen, fitness experts at the most renowned fitness center in Valencia suggest that you need to drink plenty of water before and during your exercise to avoid getting dehydrated.