Chances are, before and after every workout you stretch. At the beginning of a workout, you may just do some gentle stretches to get your blood flowing and to prevent injury while you actually workout. During or after your workout, once your body is thoroughly warmed up, you probably perform more intensive Toronto stretching training, this time to improve your flexibility and reduce potential muscle soreness.
Most people notice that they have one side that is more flexible than the other. For example, you might be able to touch your toes on your left leg, but barely touch them on your right. Or perhaps you are more flexible in your quad muscles in the front of your thighs, but not so much in your hamstrings in the back. This is a common problem. If left unattended to, this problem can lead to injury since your body will compensate by favouring your more flexible side, putting more stress on it and leading to an imbalance of weight distribution with a higher risk of developing back pain. To improve balance, athletic ability and reduce the risk of injury (whether from mundane daily physical activities or while exercising), equalizing the flexibility of both sides of your body is incredibly important.
The only real solution is to spend more time stretching the tighter muscles and joints. It’s easy to say, because after all, the more flexible you are on one side, the better it feels to stretch it (thereby worsening the problem). But it’s something you just have to do!
If intensity is a problem, simply increase the number of stretching exercises you perform on the weaker side. If your calves are tight, don’t just sit with your legs straight out in front of you and try to touch your toes – try a variety of stretches like:
1. Stand on the edge of a stair with your heel unsupported. Gently drop the heel down with the rest of your foot still placed firmly on the stair. Hold for a few seconds, then switch legs.
2. Assume a lunging position with toes in line and facing forward, hip-width apart. Keeping both feet firmly planted on the ground, and gently lunge forward, keeping your back leg and back one straight line. Hold a few seconds then repeat.
3. Sit with legs joined and straight in front. Gently point and flex the feet, holding a couple of seconds in each position. Keep the back as straight as possible.
Want more stretching training exercise suggestions? Call us and we’d be glad to help! 416-412-3930. Personal Trainer Toronto offers comprehensive myofascial stretching toronto training sessions to the Greater Toronto Area, including Brampton, Etobicoke, Mississauga, Scarborough, Markham and Richmond Hill.
