TRIVIA THURSDAY : STRETCH IT!! 4 PHYSIO FACTS ON STRETCHING

4 PHYSIO FACTS ON STRETCHING

With Comrades 2014 around the corner, stretching is an important component of your training regimen. As a runner are you stretching effectively? You are most likely doing it wrong...
What is a stretch?
Stretching involves elongating a specific muscle or muscle group to its fullest length.
How does it benefit you?
Stretching Increases flexibility and circulation, Improves balance and coordination and alleviates pain.

DON’T STRETCH THE TRUTH : How much do you really know?

1.     A stretch should be done before a warm up?

a)     True

b)     False

FALSE: A Warm up should always precede stretching as stretching cold muscles can lead to injury.

2.     How long should you hold a stretch?

a)     5-10 seconds

b)     30 minutes

c)     Till you feel the pull

d)     20 seconds

D) 20 seconds, physiologically your body takes 20 seconds to trigger a stretch reflex response.

3.     At the end of a good run or workout, you should

a)     Thank god it’s over!

b)     Weigh yourself to see how much you’ve lost.

c)     Update your facebook status to “Great run, lost about 5kgs”

d)     Stretch and Roll

D) static stretching before heading out of the gym.                                                                                                    TIP: Use a foam roller post-workout and never skip pre-stretching to get those knots out.

4.     You should always bounce at the end of range when holding a stretch.

a)     True, bouncing increases the level of the stretch

b)     False, You shouldn’t bounce with stretches

B) FALSE, A Stretch should be slow and smooth. Stretching with bouncing may be counter productive. Static stretching is effective to increase range of motion (flexibility). Dynamic stretching (bouncing should be part of the warm up)

UNTIL WE BLOG AGAIN, KEEP STRETCHING AND STAY ACTIVE

           Lianca Dookran               

"Hands On Physio on Hand"                       032 5863240     0727294763  http://www.ballito.mobi/content/physiotherapist-lianca-dookran                                                                                                                                         *** OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE TO RENT IN OUR PHYSIO ROOMS FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL, CONTACT US FOR DETAILS.