Stretching: Encyclopedia II - Stretching - Stretching in preparation for a physical activity

Stretching - Stretching in preparation for a physical activity

Before engaging in intense physical activity such as a workout or sporting event, it is helpful to stretch the muscles to be exercised in the following manner:

1. Joint rotation, whereby joints are lubricated by circular motions
2. A mild warmup sufficient to generate slight perspiration
3. Static stretching, whereby muscles are gradually stretched with the body at rest
4. Dynamic stretching, whereby muscles are stretched by alternately contracting opposing muscles, such as by twisting the torso or by swinging a straightened leg
5. Light exercise resembling the activity to follow

Following the main activity, these steps may be reversed to "cool down" the body, helping to prevent and alleviate any cramps and soreness (such as delayed onset muscle soreness, DOMS) in the exercised muscles, although scientific studies have shown that stretching does not reduce, or prevent, DOMS.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Stretching in preparation for a physical activity", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki