Thursday, January 29, 2009

Lose the Flab in 2009: Some Fitness Training Tips

By Paul Simons

Before any type of fitness training, it is important to doing warm-up or stretching exercises to prevent accidents or to enhance output during the training. This is not the only thing that it is important to remember if you intend to undertake fitness programs. It is a proven fact that injuries that happen during exercise can be prevented if the person not only stretches before a workout but as a cooling down routine as well. None of what I have said so far is a secret but you would be amazed how many people do not do it but were you aware that you should also continue this stretching at the end of a workout as the muscles are warm and more flexible.

For most warm-ups it is quite acceptable to hold a stretching position for twenty seconds but to really extend the muscles groups and joint flexibility, this should be lengthened to one minute. Many people make the mistake of stretching and returning to their original position to quickly when the movement should be slow and measured. Some people have injured themselves because they extend beyond their limits and do not hold the stretched position for a few seconds before returning slowly. Do not jump from an easy stretching exercise to a hard one, but complete the easiest first and do the hardest last as by this time most of your muscles will be warm and it will make the difficult exercise easier.

For some people, even if they have strong bodies, they tend to neglect the neck when working out because stretching the neck muscles can be as simple as placing the palm of one's hand against the front of the head and pushing it; then, do the same to the sides and the back of the head. Stretching should also take place during any fitness training workout as well to keep the muscles and joints flexible especially prior to an exercise that may be strenuous on particular areas of the body. Do not overstretch your self performing exercises you are not yet ready for just because there are others who can as this will cause further problems; work to your own pace. There are days when your body may be too tired that you may have to consider reducing your range of motion so learn to rest in between sets and stations to make sure that the body has enough time to recover its energy.

Every athlete knows that muscles need to heal and grow from physical exertion so give yourself a day off between fitness training and exercising; your body will appreciate it. Do aerobic exercises to strengthen your heart; aerobic exercises are those physical activities that require more oxygen for fuel; these include cardiovascular exercises such as skipping rope, running or swimming. Many people find music good for exercise, especially something with a regular beat that can be worked to; of course mp3 players are ideal for this. While most come complete with headphones, it is s good idea to have some good ones because if you have your music loud, it is quite easy for others to be disturbed by it. If you are someone who has trouble relaxing or sleeping then you may want to consider stretching exercises as it is good for you even if you are not working out.

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