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Stretching
If you are working out regularly, stretching should be a part of your daily program. The benefits are well established and backed up both by testimony and research.
The good news is that stretching is included in many basic workout programmes as a part of the warm up or cool down. The bad news is that very few people actually understand why or when they should perform these exercises, and do them ineffectively as a result.
It is important to get this right, because proper stretching reduces your risk of injury, can improve performance, and is a great way to relax.
One of the most important issues, and one that is becoming increasingly well understood, is when you should perform these exercises. Recent research strongly suggests that doing so prior to a workout is counterproductive. Therefore the best time is actually at the end of a workout, or else in the evening - it's a great way to relax while watching TV, and will send you to bed feeling great.
If you're not sure how or what you need to do, check with the trainer at your local gym, or else refer to one of the many good books on the subject. Chances are that it will help you feel better, recover quicker, and suffer fewer injuries. Not a bad combination!
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