Warm-Ups and Cool-Downs
Exercise is essential for maintaining balanced skeletal support. When a person has flexible muscles, they are at much less risk for the wear-and-tear injuries that allow joints to slide out of place. Not all exercises are appropriate for everyone, and if you’ve struggled with chronic pain, we urge you to visit us at ChiroCareLA.com for non-invasive, non-addictive treatment. But in general, there are a few simple rules to keep in mind when warming up and cooling down that will protect a person from overusing their muscles during work-outs. A muscle should not be stretched while it is still “cold.” That is to say, it should not have to do anything strenuous before it is receiving adequate blood flow. Warm-ups should focus on dynamic stretches, which keep the body in motion. Those include arm circles, bird-dogging, and butt-kicks. One of the reasons yoga is popular is that it incorporates so many dynamic stretches. The warm-up should last for at least five minutes. After that, a pers...