When Stretching Doesn't Prevent Injury - Beyond Stretching

Many people don't want to stretch, don't know how, or don't know why they should. Often it's a combination of the three. What I'll go into here includes not only the how of stretching, but also the why. You'll get a list of great exercises and a mini-anatomy lesson to boot.
Why doesn't stretching work when you have an injury? Why do muscles get tight, short, and no longer lengthen to their full range? This article answers those questions and provides a way to get all the flexibility sought by stretching -- and more -- by training ones brain to improve ones muscular control -- without stretching.

The Essentials of Good Quality Stretching

Mention stretching and lot of peoples eyes will glaze over with boredom however it really is something which all of us practicing sport or training need to perfect. Obviously it can go a long way in preventing injuries but it also helps to achieve the maximum potential out of your body by allowing it for perform at its optimum level.
Okay, maybe that part about a super human form is an exaggeration, but stretching is very important for enjoying a long life of health with the full use of your faculties. Stretching has been so overlooked for decades that I hope this article will help you understand the importance of stretching as part of your overall fitness and health plan.

How Can Stretch Marks Be Diminished

Stretch marks or striae appear as red or purple marks on the skin and are actually a form of scarring. They are the cause of dermal tears and may fade over time but will not completely go away without proper stretch mark treatment. These scars are due to the rapid stretching of the skin often caused by weight gain during puberty, pregnancy or muscle growth. Stretch marks can also worsen due to hormonal changes.
Stretching can be an important element to your workout routines. Keeping the muscles from being so tight can have huge benefits, and even add to your strength. More than that, it can add to your range of motion, and overall muscle health. Find out how and when to add stretching to your workout routines.

How to Stretch Shoulder Muscles - The Most Dangerously Overlooked Muscle Group

Most athletes and weight trainers fail to devote sufficient attention to their rotator cuff muscles. As a result, rotator cuff injuries are very common. Rotator cuff injuries also occur naturally as we get older. Unless you spend time training and developing strength in your shoulders, you are at risk for painful rotator cuff injuries.

When and How to Stretch For Best Results

Knowing how and when to stretch properly is just as important for preventing injury as well as improving performance and flexibility. Let me start with a question. Say you have a bag of rubber bands in the refrigerator for safe keeping. Would you take one of the bands and stretch it to its maximum straight out of the cold refrigerator? What do you think might happen?