Personal Trainer Flexible Benefits

Newcastle Herald

Monday May 30, 2005

Article adapted from Life Fitness www.lifefitness.com.au. Supplied by The Forum Sports and Aquatic Centre, phone 4921 7001.

THERE are three essential parts to any fitness program: cardiovascular training, weight training, and the often-neglected flexibility.

Flexibility training allows greater freedom of movement and improved posture; increases physical and mental relaxation; releases muscle tension and soreness; and reduces risk of injury.

As we grow older, we tend to lose flexibility, usually as a result of inactivity rather than the ageing process itself.

The less active we are, the less flexible we are likely to be. As with cardiovascular endurance and muscle strength, flexibility will improve with regular training.

Before stretching, take a few minutes to warm up as stretching cold muscles can cause injury.

Ideally, at least 30 minutes, three times a week, should be spent on flexibility training. But even a mere five minutes of stretching at the end of an exercise session is better than nothing. All aerobic activity should be followed by at least a few minutes of stretching.

Try a few simple stretches before getting out of bed in the morning. Wake yourself up with a few full-body stretches by pointing the toes and reaching the arms above your head.

This can clear your mind and help jump-start your morning.

You can also take a stretching class such as yoga, Tai Chi, or the popular body balance classes.

Scheduling a class will help you to stick with a regular stretching program. The Forum Sports and Aquatic Centre runs body balance classes five days a week.

Article adapted from Life Fitness www.lifefitness.com.au. Supplied by The Forum Sports and Aquatic Centre, phone 4921 7001.

© 2005 Newcastle Herald

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