Day 4: Stretching: Why Skipping It Is Keeping You Fat

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Yes, I just dropped the F-bomb but I'm African. PC is something you surf the internet with.

Back to the topic at hand.

I know this seems like a cop-out post. I mean, you're in the swing of things and you don't want to lose your momentum by taking a whole day off to stretch. What a waste of calorie-burning time, right? 

Wrong.

Most exercise-related injuries are a result of not stretching enough, and when you're injured, you won't be working out anyway. Trust me, it's no fun! Yoga is great, for the few of us you who do it, but according to my sports therapist, you need to be stretching 20-40 minutes per session. Ain't nobody got time for that! As a compromise, he suggests one intense stretching session per week, not including any post-workout stretching or yoga you do. So, since it's Day 4 and I assume we've all been going gangbusters at this hurr challenge, I think we all deserve a lovely break stretch.

Why Stretching Is Important:

• Prevents injury
• Improves flexibility keeping you younger
• Relieves post-workout aches and pains 
• Corrects posture
• Lengthens muscles giving you a long, lean look
• Can be calming and relaxing after a hard workout

How to Stretch:

First things first, don't stretch cold muscles; you can do yourself an injury. Here is a five minute warm-up that you can incorporate into all your workouts:

1. 30 seconds jogging on the spot

2. 30 seconds Butt Kicks: jog on the spot kicking your heels to your butt

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3. 30 second Butt Kicks with forward Arm Circles

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4. 30 second Butt Kicks with backward Arm Circles

5. 30 seconds Jumping Jacks

6. 30 seconds High Knees

STRETCHING

Here is a very simple stretching routine that you should incorporate after each workout. Hold each stretch for 20 seconds to a minute.

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Alternatively, I really rate the Stretch X DVD (from the P90X series). It's an hour or so of stretching and OK, i know it seems boring but it's totally worth it.

For a copy call Jay on 0721294860

(I bet this post gets like 6 views. I know y'all!)