1. Stretches Matter
No matter what your exercise routine, stretching your legs is an important part of pre-exercise warmup. Good leg stretches are important whether you're running, biking, or playing a sport like basketball or tennis. Even if you're just doing cardiovascular exercises like weight lifting, stretching your legs will make them more capable of supporting you and will get your whole body warmed up for a great workout.
2. Stretch Slowly
It is important to stretch your legs properly to avoid straining muscles. Proper stretching should be done slowly and evenly and should stretch out all the leg muscles. Do not bounce up and down when you stretch. It might feel like you're stretching your legs out a little more, but you're actually putting extra stress on the muscle that could damage it. Take your time when you stretch; proper stretching takes time but it's worth it to keep your muscles healthy.
3. Mix Up Your Stretches
Stretch your legs thoroughly to ensure that they are well-stretched and warmed up. Use stretching positions that allow you to stretch both vertically and horizontally; doing leg stretches that require you to reach and stretch when seated and standing up will work all the leg muscle groups. Utilizing a variety of stretching positions is a great way to stretch out all of your muscles so your whole leg is warmed up and limber.
4. Good Exercises to Try
There are some leg stretching exercises that are great for stretching out, no matter what activity you're warming up for. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart. Reach down with both hands and touch the top of one foot, then the ground between your feet, then the top of the other foot. Repeat this exercise until you can place your hand flat on the ground between your feet. Or stand straight with your shoulders back and raise one foot behind you. Grab your foot with the opposite hand and bring it up slowly behind you. Hold the foot for 10 seconds, then release and repeat with the other foot. Find stretching exercises that you enjoy and find beneficial.
5. Stretching on Time
Stretch your legs out right before you begin exercising. Stretching shortly before exercise will ensure that the muscles are still warmed up and ready to go when you start working out. If you leg a long time elapse between stretching and exercising, lactic acid can build up in the muscles, making exercising more difficult and possibly painful. Finish stretching no more than 5 minutes before you begin your workout.
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