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We chatted with a few experts to learn more.
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Heres everything you gotta know about this buzzy fitness trend.
Though, each jot down seems to be beneficial in different situations.
It also helps getthe mind-muscle connectiongoing so that your brain is ready to tackle the movements, too.
Its a lot harder than people think to get a major change in flexibility, he says.
And whether stretching can realistically boost athletic performance or prevent injury for the majority of people?
(Oh, andstretching wont get rid of DOMS, sorry to break it to you.)
Stretches, if not done properly, can cause injury, saysRachel Straub, exercise physiologist and C.S.C.S.
The speed at which you stretch is another important part of proper stretching.
If you feel resistance as you push deeper into a stretch, thats your spindles at work.
Stretching should never be painful, Perkins says.
So, should you attend a stretch class?
Just because science doesnt mandate it doesnt mean you should avoid it if seems to be helpful for you.
We dont need to be over-exerting ourselves every day, Straub adds.
Balancing stretching in can combat that.
you’re able to also stretchasyou strengthen.
A lunge, for example, can be a great way to stretch your hip flexors.
You may even want to speak with former and present clients.
The person instructing needs to understand muscle and joint mechanicsnot just be able to demonstrate a bunch of exercises.
If youre new to stretching, Straub advises starting with a one-on-one session versus a group class.
The personalized attention youll get can help you learn proper techniques from the get-go.
If people feel uncomfortable in any position, they should let the instructor know.
Attending stretch classes every week isnt going to magically transform you into Gumby.
As Perkins mentioned, its much harder than you might think to drastically change your flexibility.
