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	Stretching routine 5 to 8

Welcome to the 'stretch routines'. Here you will find safe and effective ways to prepare before exercise. A routine which should be part of everyone's routine no matter what their level.

Guidelines for stretching exercises

All warm-up programs should consist of pulse-raising activities, along with mobility and stretching activities
Only stretch after the muscles have warmed up (eg.10minutes walking)
Only stretch to the point of mild tension. No stretch should ever be painful
Stretching exercises are static in nature and should be held for 20-30sec
Do not use any bouncing or jerky movements when you are stretching
Do not hold your breath. Breathing normally will help you to relax
Stretch before and after all physical activity

NB. These stretches are very basic and are meant for warm-up purposes only and should not be applied to injuries - the hamstring and back stretches should not be attempted by people with existing back problems.

View the Stretching Routines and articles

Also view the article :

The Debate around Stretching

THE LOWER BACK STRETCH
MUSCLE (S) WORKED: Erector Spinae
LOCATION: Lower back
STANCE: Stand with feet shoulder width apart, knees bent with hands on thighs.
Shoulders should be slightly apart.
MOVEMENT: SLOWLY pull stomach in and curl upwards (similar to a cat)
HOLD: Count slowly to 20-30 and return to original position. Repeat twice
SAFETY POINTS: Ensure weight is supported by placing hands on thighs. Be careful to slowly uncurl to original position. Keep chin up and eyes focused in front of you.

THE UPPER BACK STRETCH
MUSCLE: Trapezius and Latissimus Dorsi
LOCATION: Upper back
STANCE: Stand with feet shoulder width apart and knees slightly bent.
MOVEMENT: Clasp the hands in front at shoulder height with the palms away from the body. Gently push the palms away without locking the elbows.
HOLD:Count slowly to 20-30. Repeat stretch twice
SAFETY POINTS: Keep the back straight and the tummy tight. Knees slightly bent

THE DELTOID STRETCH
MUSCLE: Deltoid
LOCATION: Shoulder
STANCE: Stand with feet shoulder width apart and knees slightly bent.
MOVEMENT: Take the right arm across the body at shoulder height, keeping the shoulder relaxed. Place the left hand on the right arm slightly above the elbow and gently bring the right arm towards the chest.
HOLD: Count slowly to 20-30.Repeat stretch twice. Repeat with left arm
SAFETY POINTS: Keep the back straight and stomach tight. Make sure the knees are slightly bent at all times. Keep head facing forward.

THE ALL OVER STRETCH

STANCE: Stand with feet shoulder width apart and knees slightly bent.
MOVEMENT: Raise your arms overhead and bring your hands together. Slowly begin to stretch upward.
HOLD: Count slowly to 20-30. Repeat stretch twice.

SAFETY POINTS: As with all all stretches the safety guidelines should be followed at all times. Keep breathing normally.

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Time-to-Run Stretching section