Before you experience a workout set for you by your La Jolla personal trainer, you are first expected to run through a couple of light exercises that stretch your muscles. Most of the time, you will do the same basic moves after your exercise routine as well. This is extremely important.

The Importance Of Stretching

Stretching is a process of preparing your muscles and joints for the pressure that you will inflict on them during a workout. It's already a light workout that warms your body up, ready to go through the actual exercise routine. As it boosts your body's range of motion, it allows you to have a better experience when running through your exercise routine.

Exactly Why A La Jolla Personal Trainer Recommends It

Any good La Jolla personal trainer will recommend doing stretching exercises before and after a workout session. Besides the obvious benefits that you will receive by doing it, it is first and foremost a thing of safety. People who stretch before working out tend to have less strained or pulled muscles. Doing the same thing after a workout also helps cool your body down, giving it ample time to work out the stress that a healthy workout will have placed on it.

Benefits Of Stretching Before And After Working Out

* A decrease in the risk of injuring yourself while exercising.

* Your blood will circulate better throughout your body.

* You will have less tension in your muscles.

* There will be an increase in your body's suppleness and joint movement.

* There will be an increase in your body's suppleness and joint movement.

Most Common Stretching Workouts

Determined by what your present training program is, the stretching positions that your La Jolla personal trainer will recommend may vary. Here are a few of the most commonly recommended stretching exercises:

* Ankle Rotation Stretch

This is the simple act of rotating your foot by the ankle. It helps strengthen and loosen the muscles in your calves and feet, giving you a better range of motion when moving.

* Shoulder Stretch

This involves pressing your arm across your chest while pulling your elbow to the opposite shoulder. It acts mainly in preparing your shoulders.

* Hamstring Stretch

A floor-based stretch, there are two main ways to perform it: either with your legs split wide apart or with one leg bent and the other kept straight in front. It comes into effect when you bend forwards and touch both hands to the extended foot. The main muscles being warmed up in this exercise are the ones found at the back of the thighs.

* Triceps Stretch

This exercise concerns your triceps and targets the heads of these muscles. It is done by bending your arm behind your head, with your elbow pointing towards the ceiling and your hand resting near your opposite shoulder. You can achieve a better stretch by using your free hand to pull on your elbow.

* Calf Stretch

This stretch is especially important to running athletes, as it involves preparing as well as loosening the calves. It can be done in two ways: against a wall or on the ground. A La Jolla personal trainer can help you in achieving the best angle to apply.