One of the major benefits of Stretching is that it increases your flexibility. While Stretching may appear a bit bland as compared with resistance exercises such as Training with Free Weights and Weight Training Exercises, without a good stretch, you will not be able to minimize the risk of injury.
One of the most common spots of injury is the lower back. Injuries in this area usually result from muscular imbalance, weak or inflexible muscles, or poor posture. Thus, it makes sense to do some exercises that will work your lower back muscles and develop the right level of conditioning to avoid injury. The Lower Back Stretch targets your back muscles. Learn how to do this exercise in this section:
 |
STEP 1: Lie on your back (on the mat or on the floor). Clasp your hands on top of your shins and bring in both knees to your body. |
 |
STEP 2: Gently pull your knees closer until you feel the stretch in your lower back. Hold for 8-10 seconds.
 |
Stress makes your muscles tense up and can cause headache, stiff neck, sore shoulders, and a knotted back. The back takes in tension more than any other part of the body. Also, during a Fitness workout, the back muscles contract, further increasing the tension. Full body stretching will relax your muscles, help you to breathe deeper and release all of the accumulated tension your body takes each day. For a great full, upper, or lower body Stretching Sequence, go to Fitness Exercises: Stretching Sequences