Being capable of performing at peak level in any sporting activity can be achieved by integrating many factors into speed training. Strength training, Speed Training, hours of practice, good nutrition and adequate rest are all essential components to a good sports regimen. In addition to all these, it is vital to incorporate stretching into your routine, for many important reasons.
Benefits of Stretching
Stretching has many benefits to the enhancement of your sport performance. First of all, it improves your flexibility. This may sound like an obvious result of stretching, but many people underestimate the importance of improving the flexibility of your muscles and joints. This can actually greatly reduce the chances of injury when performing vigorous activities that put major strain on the body.
In addition, flexibility can improve your physical ability to perform a specific activity. For example, a sprinter with greater flexibility will be able to increase their stride length if their muscles and joints are capable of stretching farther. Combining this techniques with others can result in a much greater ability to outperform other athletes at the same skill level.
Stretching all the muscles and joints in the body is important. Even though certain sports may require you to use a specific part of your body more than any other, you would still benefit by stretching all the muscles to give your body an overall flexibility.
Proper Stretching is Important
It is not enough to simply stretch a particular muscle for one or two seconds, once a week. In order to see any results from stretching, it must be done properly. First of all, you should stretch your muscles after they have been warmed up after a little bit of activity. Stretching muscles that have been sedentary can increase injury simply from the act of stretching itself.
Secondly, when you are stretching, you should hold the position for at least ten seconds, up to 30 if you can. Holding it for less than 10 seconds will not result in a great amount of flexibility. In addition, you should not be bouncing during the stretch. You must be able to hold the position without moving to maintain the pull and stretch of the muscle. Make sure you do not over-stretch. Eventually, you will be able to reach a certain mark by practicing on a regular basis.
If you find that you need some assistance, you can use a rolled towel. For example, when you are trying to reach your toes, but find yourself coming up short, wrap a rolled up towel around the bottom of your foot, and pull yourself into the stretch by holding the ends of the towel with both hands.
There is no doubt that warming up and improving the flexibility of your muscles and joints can greatly improve your sports performance. By performing these stretches faithfully and ritually, you will be able to see an improvement in your flexibility and performance in a matter of weeks.
