Stretching Exercises - Technogym ROTEX 600 XT PRO Benutzerhandbuch

2.4 M
EDICAL AND ATHLETIC INFORMATION AND ADVICE
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2.4.3 Stretching exercises

Stretching exercises are not an optional but
an integral part of a physical exercise
program. Muscle and skeletal flexibility are
important to your health. In a standing
position our body structure is kept in balance
by "tie rods" composed of an active muscular
part and a passive connective one.
Systematically checking flexibility is very
important both for the sedentary person
(because it keeps connective tissue from
shortening due to inactivity) and for the
athlete, because good limb mobility
increases performance and makes you less
prone to injury.
It's a good idea to do stretching exercises
before and after a workout. The warm-up
stage should include several minutes of low-
intensity aerobics like walking or pedaling
followed by suitable exercises that stretch
the muscles you use in walking/running (the
calf and thigh muscles) so they are "warmed
up" to prevent injuries. At the end of the
workout you should spend some time
stretching in order to recoup and get rid of
the toxins you've produced, to keep the
muscles you've used from shortening, and
to relax.
The easiest technique, especially when
you're alone, is called the Anderson or "static
stretching" technique, which has to be done
without brusque, quick or violent
movements.
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