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Upper Body Stretching
Flexibility of the body’s muscles and joints is an important component in maintaining overall function and health. Stretching is a great way to help improve your flexibility. 

In the past stretching was seen as the best way to prepare your body for exercise or activity. However to achieve the most out of your stretching you need to perform it after your body is already warmed upped. Just imagine a rubber band. Take a rubber band that has been sitting in a refrigerator and try to stretch it out. Most likely it will snap or produce small tears. Now take a rubber band after it has been heated in a microwave and stretch it out. It has much more range and is much less likely to tear than the cold one. This example helps demonstrates why it’s better to stretch after you exercise and not before. You will get superior benefits from stretching a warm muscle rather than a cold one. If you one of the many people who get to the gym and start stretching before you exercise then seriously consider checking out our warm-up video (LINK)(John add the link to the warm-up video if it’s possible- cheers) for a much improved way of preparing your body for exercise. Then try this video stretching routine after your workout to maximize the benefits associated with stretching.

Benefits of stretching correctly

	Reduced risk of muscle and joint injury
	Improved muscle and joint range of motion
	Helps maintain proper body posture and function
	Psychological benefits – It feels good
	Improved muscle coordination
	Reduced muscle tension
	Assists in recovery from strenuous exercise 

How to stretch

	Make sure your body is warm before stretching 
	Ease slowly into the stretch holding the end point
	You should feel tension within the muscle but no pain
	Hold each stretch for between 15 – 30 seconds
	Consistency is the key
	Maintain slow rhythmic breathing throughout
Upper Body Stretching
 
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