How to Choose Supplies for Stretching

Flexibility is an essential part in exercising because as the muscles increase, without the range of motion and loosening joints, the more likely injuries or cramps occur. And during your stretching warm-up exercises, it's not necessary to spend hundreds of dollars on workout equipment. Most of the minimal equipment you'll need can be found around your house, minus one or two that you may purchase from discount stores.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Towel
• Two pillows (optional)
• Pilates ball (optional)
• Comfortable gym shoes
• Sports bra (for women)
• Comfortable stretch wear such as a jogging suit or tanktop

How to Choose Home Supplies for Stretching

1. 

   Pick comfortable equipment to lay flat on for stretching your arms and legs. Some people prefer laying down on a workout mat when stretching horizontally, but one of your bath towels, a beach towel, or two pillows are also comfortable cushions. If you have back trouble, pillows are ideal.

2. 

   Consider purchasing a pilates ball for exercise and to balance your head. A pilates ball is also ideal for a stretch in the stomach area, especially if you have back problems. Laying completely down with your head flat on the floor can be uncomfortable. With a pilates ball behind your neck, it gives you a slight boost. (Note: Check discount stores first for sports equipment. Consumers often spend double the amount when buying items from health clubs and fitness stores.)

3. 

   Buy comfortable clothing to do both cardio and stretching in. Although socks are not ideal to work out in during cardio because of hard floors or rough carpet, socks are great for stretching because they give your feet and ankles more movement. Workout gear varies depending on your comfort level. While it's common to see people in spandex pants or nylon/vinyl workout suits, a jogging suit or a loose tank top are also good picks. For women, sports bras are absolutely necessary because the amount of movement that is done during stretching would be very uncomfortable if the woman is wearing a bra with underwire in it and/or ineffective support.

4. Choose comfortable gym shoes for cardio workouts (ex. dancing, running, jogging, jumping jacks). Although your worn gym shoes may not be the most attractive, they usually bend and move easily with your foot shape and are highly recommended while stretching and exercising. New gym shoes can be just as comfortable once the stiffness from the shoestrings, tongue, and sides of the shoe wear off. Athletic gym shoes with balls or a pump work well too because they are made for exercising.

Tips & Warnings

• It is essential to stretch at least five minutes before and after any workout to prepare your body for flexiblity, balance, and coordination.

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