Happy Friday to you.
This is the third part of my short series on how to use kettlebell finishers to get more results in a lot less time.
Over the last 10 days I have been addressing the 3 key elements of your workout program:
- Warm Up
- Workout
- Corrective Stretching
Today I want to focus on the Corrective Stretching phase.
Stretching is very often misunderstood.
When you see very flexible gymnasts, dancers or martial artists this is due to years of consistent stretching and usually starting from a very young age.
But, not all stretching is beneficial.
Excessive flexibility will also leave you with unstable joints that are insecure and liable to dislocation.
The key to stretching, like all aspects of life, is balance.
To begin you need to understand that only tight or troublesome joints should be stretched.
Just like tuning a musical instrument you need to focus on the right strings
So, following your mobility warm up and listening to your body you should know which areas are tight and which need the most attention.
Focus only on these restricted areas.
Once you know what to stretch you then need to know when and how. Lets start with when…
Do not waste your time stretching immediately after your workout, your nervous system is too excited to relax into the stretch. Research also shows that stretching does not prevent the onset of muscular soreness.
The best time to stretch is in the evening when you are relaxed and your nervous system is in the Parasympathetic Phase.
Now here’s how to stretch…
Focus on only your 1-3 tightest areas and use your deep breathing to take you deeper into each stretch.
Here’s an example of how to stretch your hamstrings:
As you will see from the video, you need to work with your breathing but also with movements that complement the type of kettlebell exercises you are performing.
Give this one a try and with a little practice I’m sure you will notice the difference.
OK, that’s all I have for you today. I’ll be back next Tuesday with info on how often and when to perform your Kettlebell Finishers for best results.
Until then, take care and happy stretching!
Greg
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