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Stretching is one of those little things that separates athletes
and great athletes. To maximize your potential and abilities you
need to stretch some what everyday. To me it doesn't make sense
to play with 95% capacity if I can take my game to the next
level with little effort. I really recommend to take few minutes
to read this article and put in use the stuff you will learn.
IMPORTANCE OF
STRETCHING
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Increases flexibility
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Prevents Injuries
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Increases range of motion
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Reduces muscle soreness
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Prepares body for training
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Improves posture
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Improves speed, agility and strength = You
will play better
THINGS TO REMEMBER
ABOUT STRETCHING
-Warm-up muscles to prepare for
maximum stretch
-Proper stretching posture: helps to target the
stretch
-Focus on the muscle you are stretching
-Sports specific stretching: different sports have
specific requirements
-Depending on the exercise will determine the
length of the stretch
-Stretch daily for optimum flexibility
-Use a wide selection of stretches for the best
results
LENGHT OF STRETCH
-Length of a stretch depends on the activity and
the effect that is wanted.
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6-10 second stretch |
15-30 second stretch |
30-120 second stretch |
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Prepares for exercise / competition |
After excercise / competition brings back lenght of muscle |
Good to do as own exersice. |
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Increases blood flow to the muscle |
Not before coordination, agility or explosive training (stretch only
6-10 seconds) |
Increases overall flexibility |
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Increases range of motion |
Explosive plyometric and agility abilities
lower temporarily |
Same effect as medium length |
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Part of warm up |
30 min to 2 hours after training / competition |
Part of a great athletes training |
Written By Matti Korhonen
Ice Hockey Goalie & Coach
Email:info@athleticforce.com
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