What’s the one thing bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts don’t want to do after their workout? Stretch! Yet, the benefits of stretching are many, and should not be overlooked by anyone that works out on a regular basis. Today we will discuss why bodybuilders need to pay more attention to their post-workout stretching routines and how it can benefit them more than they realize! Plus, you'll learn about a brand new device that could help you take your post-workout stretching to the next level!
Post-Workout Stretching: The Key to Recovery for Bodybuilders – Bodybuilding 101 with Coach/Fitness Model Maxwell Alexander
Top benefits of stretching after a bodybuilding workout
There are many benefits of stretching after a workout. One is increased blood flow which increases circulation in the body. Another benefit is reduced post-workout soreness which will allow you to recover faster so you can get back into the gym sooner! When done correctly, stretching can also increase flexibility and range of motion while reducing any muscular tightness. As a coach, I always try to remind everyone that bodybuilding is just like yoga – mind-body artistry and stretching play a crucial role in reducing the stress we put on our bodies. After all, if you burn out too fast, you won't reach your bodybuilding goals ever.
Why do people forget to stretch after workouts?
A post-workout stretch can increase blood flow, ease muscle soreness, and improve recovery. However, many people stop stretching after their workout is done. More often than not, this is because people think they are too sweaty or tired to stretch. The truth is that the longer a person waits before stretching, the less effective it will be. It's best to do a 10-minute light jog followed by 10 minutes of stretching in order to prevent delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Some other good stretches include hip flexor stretches and quadriceps stretches. I use my Chirp Wheel right after each workout and it does magic!
How does stretching help you in your training?
Stretching is important because it helps you recover from injury, boosts flexibility, decreases muscle soreness, and increases the mobility of your joints. It also improves circulation by increasing blood flow and can help with joint pain. There are two types of stretching; static and dynamic. Static stretching is an isolated stretch where a person lengthens their muscles by moving into the stretch slowly and holding in that position, usually for 30 seconds to a minute. Dynamic stretching involves both the upper and lower body. A person would move back and forth between stretches for about 5 minutes before starting their workout routine.
What are some tips for proper warming up and cooling down before & after training?
Before your workout, you should take time to warm up. Starting with gentle activity before gradually working your way up to the intensity of your workout can decrease the risk of injury during exercise. You should also know that it's never too late for a warmup. Once you're warmed up and ready, start with a few easy sets and then work your way into more challenging reps as you feel stronger.
Benefits of using the Chrip Wheel before/after bodybuilding exercises
In the past, foam rollers have been the go-to tool for muscle relief and recovery after a tough workout or a long day at the office. In the case of rollers, the pressure is often too spread out over a large area so it is not really effective (imagine steamrolling with no real focus). In comparison to standard foam rollers, Chirp Wheels provide two specific advantages over other foam rollers - their width and their pressure.
In order to release tension in tight muscles, there must be enough pressure applied. In addition to being five inches wide, Chirp Wheels are also equipped with a patent-pending spinal canal that puts pressure along the sides of the spine and between the shoulders where it's needed. With the spine pressing deeper into the spinal canal, muscles lining the vertebrae are stretched horizontally as well as vertically, allowing for all four directions of the spine to be stretched at the same time, providing a deeply relaxing stretch.
It comes in four diameters with varying levels of pressure that can be delivered to relax and relieve sore muscles anywhere on the body. It comes with three millimeters of maximum comfort foam padding and a rigid core that can hold up to 500 lbs. In addition to the standard 3 or 4-pack bundles, there are also accessories available to provide even more options for customizing your massage experience.
- Using the 12" Gentle Wheel, you can stretch and gently massage yourself for a relaxing experience
- The 10" Firm Wheel is ideal for digging a little deeper into the muscles along the spine in order to massage problem areas of the spine with targeted pressure
- With the 6" Deep Tissue Wheel we can dig even deeper to get rid of the toughest knots in the body.
- The 4" Focus Wheel is designed to provide maximum pressure against key pressure points on the back or anywhere on the body, including smaller areas such as the neck, shoulders, and feet.
Conclusion (why is it so important to stretch properly after each workout?)
It is imperative that bodybuilders are cautious about taking the time to stretch post-workout. It's a great way to cool down after your workout, restore any lost range of motion and muscle function, reduce post-workout soreness and delayed onset muscle soreness, and recover by removing lactic acid buildup in your muscles. Post-workout stretching also can minimize delayed onset muscle soreness. When it comes to recovering from your workout and preventing future injuries, proper post-workout stretching is essential.