How to Stretch Before Aerobics Class

Participating in an aerobics class can be a fun way to get in shape or maintain your current fitness level. Aerobic exercise is a full-body affair, as the respiratory, circulatory and muscular systems work in harmony to complete the movements. Stretching before aerobics class helps prevent injuries and ensures that your body is warmed up even before class begins.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Rotate your joints. Give proper attention to your joints to prevent common aerobics-related injuries, such as wrist and ankle sprains. Slowly rotate each joint in all functional directions. You will feel the joints loosen as you rotate them.

2. Reach for the sky. Raise your arms above your head to stretch your arms and back muscles. Hold the stretch for 15 to 30 seconds, repeating as necessary to loosen your arms and back muscles.

3. Touch your toes. Bend at your waist and attempt to touch your toes to work your hamstrings. Hold the stretch for 15 to 30 seconds, repeating as necessary to loosen your hamstrings.

4. Consider stretching with a partner. Stretches done with a partner help add resistance to your stretching routine.Experiment with standing and seated positions to maximize stretching effectiveness.

5. Save some energy for aerobics class. You should not work yourself into a frenzy while stretching. Stretching is done to prepare your body for the impending aerobics workout.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid making bouncing motions while stretching, to help prevent muscle strain.
• Pay attention to any pains you may feel while stretching. Severe pain is a reason to cancel your aerobics class.

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[MidniteWriter]

on 6/19/2008 Good advice, thanks!