Health Tip: Stretch Before and After a Workout

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You work out as often as possible. But do you know how to stretch properly?

The American Council on Exercise offers these stretching suggestions:

• Breathe in deeply, then slowly exhale as you stretch the desired muscle to tension. Hold for up to 30 seconds, then relax and repeat the stretch a few more times.
• Hold the stretch still (moving as little as possible), which can help prevent you from hurting yourself.
• Don’t stretch a muscle that isn’t properly warmed up.
• Don’t stretch a muscle to the point that it hurts.
• Breathe normally as you stretch; never hold your breath.

Source: HealthDay

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