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5 Best Stretching Routines To Help You Get A Great Post-Workout Stretch

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Reach Stretch & Recovery

After working hard all day, it’s important to take the time to stretch out your muscles and joints. Not only will this help you feel better physically, but it can also improve your flexibility and coordination. Here are five of the best stretching routines to help you get a great post-workout stretch.


What are the benefits of stretching?

There are many benefits to stretching after working out, both physically and mentally. Physical benefits of stretching include increased flexibility and range of motion, which can help improve your overall comfort and performance when participating in activities such as sports or work. Mental benefits of stretching include decreased stress levels, improved moods and better sleep quality. Here are some specific stretches that may be beneficial for you: 1) Seated hamstring stretch: This stretch is great for the larger muscles in your leg, including the hamstrings. Sit with your legs extended in front of you, feet flat on the floor. Gently pull your heels towards your butt until you feel a mild pain in the back of your thigh. Hold this position for 30 seconds then release and repeat on the other side. 2) Cat-cow pose: This pose targets the quadriceps muscles in your thighs and calves by balancing on one leg while reaching up with the other leg. Start by balancing on one foot, placing the heel of that foot against a wall or sturdy object for support. Extend the opposite leg behind you so that it’s resting on top of your crossed ankle, then press down into the heel of that foot to lift yourself up onto your toes. Hold this position for 10-15 seconds before switching legs and repeating.


How to stretch for best results

1. Start with your feet hip-width apart and your hands on your hips. 2. Inhale and reach your arms straight up toward the sky. Exhale and slowly lower your arms back down to your sides. Repeat 10 times. 3. Next, try this simple stretch: Stand with your feet hip-width apart, legs slightly bent, and arms out to the side at shoulder height. Lean forward until you feel a stretch in the front of your thighs, then exhale and hold for 30 seconds. Reverse the motion, leaning back until you feel a stretch in the backs of your thighs, and exhale again for 30 seconds. 4. To increase the intensity of this stretch, place one hand on a stable object beside you (a wall or bench) while keeping the other arm extended out to the side. Hold for as long as possible without putting any tension on your elbow or shoulder! 5. Finally, get into plank position: Lie flat on your back with feet flat on the ground, shoulder-width apart and torso lifted off floor.


Different stretches for different muscles

There are many different stretches to target different muscles after a workout. These stretches can be done before or after your workout, but they should all be done with caution and only under the guidance of a trainer or doctor. After completing your workout, it is important to stretch the following muscles: 1) Quadriceps: The quadriceps are the largest muscle in your thigh and make up the front of your leg. To stretch them, stand with one foot in front of the other with toes pointing outwards. Hold onto a chair for balance if needed and extend both arms straight out to the side. Hold this position for 30 seconds before switching legs. 2) Hamstrings: The hamstrings are located on the back of your thigh and help you lift your body up from the ground. To stretch them, lie on your back with feet flat on the ground and knees bent to 90 degrees. Grab onto each ankle and pull towards your glutes while keeping your head & shoulders off the ground. Hold this position for 30-60 seconds before slowly releasing and sitting up. 3) Gluteus Maximus: The gluteus maximus is one of three main hip muscles that control how you move when standing or walking. To stretch it, stand with feet shoulder-width apart and arms at your sides; press down into the balls of both feet while lifting both hips off the floor. 


Tips for avoiding injury

When it comes to working out, taking the time to stretch before and after your workout can help you avoid injury. Here are some tips for stretching safely: 1. Start with smaller stretches and work your way up to more challenging positions. 2. Stretch slowly and evenly throughout your entire body. 3. Hold each stretch for 10-15 seconds, or until you feel a slight difference in tension. 4. Repeat each stretch at least once, focusing on different areas of your body every time.

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