Life Fitness 5500 manual Proper Stretching Techniques, As a Fitness, Safety, Factor

APPENDIX

Proper Stretching Techniques

Stretching is perhaps the most neglected element of physical

conditioning, because people do not associate flexibilitywith the more glamorous results of exercise - speed, strength and a lean body appearance. However, without significant flexibility,real gains in fitness are unnecessarily difficultto achieve and maintain.

Limber joints, muscles, and

Flexibility connective tissues provide the freedom of motion that makes

as a Fitness	exercise		easier and	more
Safety	enjoyable		to perform, and
	lessens	the risk of injury.Without
Factor	proper,	consistent stretching,
	ligaments		and tendons	can

become taut and shortened due to decreased circulation. These inflexibletissues are more prone to chronic soreness and to rupture than

loose, stretch-conditioned tissues. And, nothing is more discouraging than nagging injuries. Stretching helps people of all ages and fitness levels prepare themselves for the exertion required to participate in a program of regular muscular and aerobic training.

See pages 36 and 37 for illustrations of recommended stretching exercises.