Stretching Exercises to Improve Fitness

We have already discussed the importance of stretching exercises in order to improve upon the functionality of muscles as well as to improve the muscular strength. In my opinion, a few stretching exercises should always be performed directly after finishing on the weight training, whilst the muscles are still warm and bursting with energy. This will help stretch the muscles for flexibility, get rid of any lactic acid remaining in the muscle after exertion and also act as a relaxing aid.

Stretching the inner thigh

The inner thigh muscles play an important role in the overall strength especially in case of athletes and runners etc. To stretch the inner thigh sit on the floor and draw your legs together in such as way that the soles of the feet touch. Following this hold on to your feet and lower your knees to the either side as far as you can. Apply gentle pressure to the legs by making use of your arms or elbows.

Try to stretch as far apart as you are comfortable with. Try to hold on to the maximum stretch position for 3-6 seconds depending upon your comfort levels. Further make 5-6 reps and you would certainly enjoy the relaxation that this exercise brings to your thigh muscles.

Stretching the hamstrings

Another classical exercise for stretching is the hamstring stretch. Hamstrings are an important set of muscles which need a lot of care and attention, especially in case of athletes and field sportsmen. To perform the hamstring stretch, sit on the floor with legs astride and straight. Gently lean down towards your right side, grabbing your right ankle or foot to pull down. Following this move to the centre and stretch forward, trying to place your head or chest on the floor in front of you.

Then move across to your left side and lean forward, taking hold of your left ankle or foot and pull down gently. Keep alternating this stretching exercise from left to right to centre. Always remember to stretch a little more in each rep than the previous one. Five to 6 reps in all the directions would be sufficient.

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