|
|
|
Breaking sports news on the internet
There are a lot of places on the internet to get the most up to date sports news, but finding one that has the latest breaking news is quite a trick. What happens to me all the time I will hear a sports score on the news radio station and go crazy...
How To Win At Sports Betting
If you've read any of my articles before, you know I always emphasize the fact that there are many viable systems for any type of gambling. Sports betting is no exclusion. I've tested and found success with several sports betting systems (see ...
Ness Notes (Jan 5)
Here's the simple strategy all sports bettors SHOULD have
employed over the recently completed 2005-06 bowl season. Rule
No. 1 was to take any underdog of six or more points. That would
have produced a record of 13-1 ATS, as only Louisville...
Slimming the Waist: Article 1 of 3 - The Ab Routine
Slimming the Waist: Article 1 of 3 - Abs
By Ben Greenfield
Let's face it...there's a million different abdominal exercises and routines out there, and each one promises to have the right stuff to give you a six-pack, get you toned, remove those...
Watch The Ball!
This phrase is often repeated in nearly every sport – keep your eye on the ball. It applies to golf too! If you do not watch the ball, then the chance that you will hit it is very slim!
Keep your eyes focused on one part of the ball. Don’t watch...
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
PNF Stretching for Improved Flexibility and Improved Sports Performance
PNF Stretching
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) is a more advanced form of flexibility training that involves both the stretching and contraction of the muscle group being targeted. PNF stretching was originally developed as a form of rehabilitation, and to that effect it is very effective. It is also excellent for targeting specific muscle groups, and as well as increasing flexibility, (and range of movement) it also improves muscular strength.
Warning! Certain precautions need to be taken when performing PNF stretches as they can put added stress on the targeted muscle group, which can increase the risk of soft tissue injury. To help reduce this risk, it is important to include a conditioning phase before a maximum, or intense effort is used.
Also, before undertaking any form of stretching it is vitally important that a thorough warm up be completed. Warming up prior to stretching does a number of beneficial things, but primarily its purpose is to prepare the body and mind for more strenuous activity. One of the ways it achieves this is by helping to increase the body’s core temperature while also increasing the body’s muscle temperature. This is essential to ensure the maximum benefit is gained from your stretching. For a more detailed article on warming up properly, refer to the following link. http://www.thestretchinghandbook.com/archives/warm-up.htm
How to perform a PNF stretch
The process of
performing a PNF stretch involves the following. The muscle group to be stretched is positioned so that the muscles are stretched and under tension. The individual then contracts the stretched muscle group for 5 - 6 seconds while a partner, or immovable object, applies sufficient resistance to inhibit movement. Please note; the effort of contraction should be relevant to the level of conditioning.
The contracted muscle group is then relaxed and a controlled stretch is applied for about 30 seconds. The muscle group is then allowed 30 seconds to recover and the process is repeated 2 - 4 times.
Information differs slightly about timing recommendations for PNF stretching depending on who you are talking to. Although there are conflicting responses to the question of how long should I contract the muscle group for and how long should I rest for between each stretch, I believe (through a study of research literature and personal experience) that the above timing recommendations provide the maximum benefits from PNF stretching.
About the author:
Article by Brad Walker. Brad is a leading stretching and sports injury consultant with over 15 years experience in the health and fitness industry. For more articles on the prevention & treatment of sports injury, subscribe to The Stretching & Sports Injury Newsletter by visiting http://www.thestretchinghandbook.com/.
|
|
|
|
|
|