Stretch For Fitness
Resistant stretching is the opposite of strength training
We all moisturize, wax, color, peel and buff in order to maintain ourselves, to keep the outside of our bodies toned and smooth. Resistance stretching can do the same for our muscles. So, if you want that feeling of being sleek, young and free, try resistance stretching.
If you are afraid of looking crazy or ridiculous, this article is not for you. But if you want to get in shape, and be more flexible, it might be worth a try. Several professional athletes swear by it. Bob Cooley invented resistance stretching, and he claims that a perfectly limber set of hamstrings will heal you psychologically, intellectually, emotionally and sexually, not merely enable you to touch your toes. If you have a need to rejuvenate your body quickly – stretch.
Resistance stretching is based on the idea that muscles gain strength and flexibility if they are contracted and stretched at the same time. It is the exactly the opposite of strength training. So, if you are holding a weight in your hand with your arm extended straight and bend your elbow, you are strengthening your biceps through strength training. But, if your elbow is already bent and you try to keep it that way while someone pushes your hand down, you are doing resistance stretching.
Resistance stretching will make your muscles more pliable producing speed and power. Middle ageathletesclaim to take power naps and use resistance stretching to keep them in top shape. It has been said that your body is just a collection of sticks (bones) and rubber bands (muscles). So the right way to fix your body is to figure out how to stretch it properly.
You can do resistance stretching by yourself or with a partner. Resistance self stretches are performed by the stretcher resisting against his/her own body, the ground, a wall, or other props. Assisted resistance flexibility and strength training is performed with two or more people. The stretcher resists the movement of the assistant while he/she flexes/extends, adducts/abducts, and/or inward/outward rotates the target muscle group. If you want maximum gains from your flexibility program, you will need to use twice the force to stretch a muscle as it takes to strengthen it.
I'm glad I can still touch my toes, scratch my own back, and play with my grandchildren. We may not all be cut out to be award winning olympic athletes, but as we age, flexibility decreases. Do not give up your flexibility – stretch.
