7 Best Post-Workout Stretches for Relaxation

Introduction

Just like after any exercise session, our muscles need a form of warm down and warm relaxation in order to regain form. These post workout stretches are important, not only to relax after a session but also to help prevent future injuries and increase flexibility so they are important.

As we shall discuss in this article, there are seven of the best relaxing post-workout stretches that should be incorporated into ones routine. These stretches are meant to be rather relaxing, as a way to release tension within muscles, as well as improve circulation.

Stretch 1: Full Body Stretch

The full body stretch should be better known as one of the best post-workout stretches so easy to perform. You begin the exercise standing with your feet slightly wider than hip width apart. Hand both your hands and slowly raise them above your head. When you inhale keep your belly relaxed and blow out your air while you tilt to the right side, then maintain the position for 15-20 seconds. Keep going to the center and then tilt to the right side. Perform this stretch a couple of times to make sure that both sides of the human body are pulled out in similar manner.

Stretch 2: Hamstring Stretch

To stretch the hamstrings, stand with the matter of the foot touching the inner side of the other knee in a sitting position. Bend from your waist with your spine in an erect position and try and touch your toes. You should now feel a small tug right in the back of your upper thigh. Keep it for about 15-20 seconds then swap to the other leg. The stretch should be repeated two or three time on each of the legs.

Stretch 3: Quadriceps Stretch

Here’s how the typical quadriceps stretch is done: Standing on one leg and bending the other leg directly behind you, grasp the heel with your hand. Bring your heel as close to your buttocks as possible with your knees in line with each other. The front of you thigh on the standing leg should be stretched. It is important to maintain this position for about 15-20 seconds; before changing the right leg to left leg. It is recommended that you perform the stretch two or three times in every leg.

Stretch 4: Chest Stretch

If you want to stretch your chest, stand as you do in the push up position, with your legs spread shoulder width apart and your hands joined behind your back. With your hands slowly raise up, and at the same time fold slightly backward, and you should feel the stretching to the chest. Sustain the mentioned position for 15-20 seconds.

Stretch 5: Shoulder Stretch

Start off with the standing position where your feet are roughly one arm’s length apart and your arms by your sides. Interlock fingers at the back of the head with palms facing downward and try to raise your hands towards the sky; stretch the shoulder. Keep holding this position for 15-20 seconds.

Stretch 6: Triceps Stretch

As for triceps stretch, stand with your left foot backward and raise your right arm above the head while bending your elbow and bringing your hand backward along your spine. With your other hand, grasp the wrist of the arm in a crowded space and pulled it up toward your head, this will stretch the triceps. Thus, detain the position for 15-20 seconds and then switch sides with the opposite hand. Do the stretch two or three times for each arm.

Stretch 7: Neck and Shoulder Rolls

Last but not the least; to ease your neck and shoulders, you have to stand straight with your feet on the ground. Move your head slowly, in opposite directions from the center, to stretch the area in the side of your neck. Then, tuck your head in and, using small movements, rotate your head side to side from the shoulder. Make sure to do a few of these to be sure that every part of the neck and shoulders have been pulled.

Conclusion:

Adding these seven best post-workout stretches into your workout regime will serve one a good purpose of relaxing the muscles, as well as helping to avoid muscle injuries and alleviating muscle soreness. Be sure to stay in the positions for the suggested amount of time and perform as many sets as possible for the same reasons. When incorporate stretching in your workout schedule, you will enhance your fitness levels as well as be able to live a quality life