To avoid muscle and joint injury, it is important to carry out warm up and stretching exercises prior to any fitness training workout. Exercising can be further improved by learning some other points related to this. Stretching increases the ability of muscles to flex and contract and is just as useful when you have finished exercising. Ok so none of what I have said so far is a secret but you would be amazed how many people do not do it but were you aware that you should also continue this stretching at the end of a workout as the muscles are warm and more flexible.

For instance, stretching movements for a warm up only have to last a third of the time that the same movements do when you are doing a cool-down, so they need to last for about a minute. Many people make the mistake of stretching and returning to their original position to quickly when the movement should be slow and measured. The way to do this is to maintain the position of a few seconds and then return because it is possible to either strain or pull muscles or joints if you return to the starting position too quickly. If you work the exercises in stages it will be easier and build up to the hardest stretches as you warm-up, this will also ensure all your muscles receive equal attention.

For some people, even if they have strong bodies, they tend to neglect the neck when working out because stretching the neck muscles can be as simple as placing the palm of one’s hand against the front of the head and pushing it; then, do the same to the sides and the back of the head. If you carry out regular stretching prior to fitness training you will be surprised just how flexible your body becomes and it will increase your ability to perform certain training. It is a common sight seeing relative newcomers try to compete with people who are far more advanced but this is never a good idea; just stick to what your body is comfortable with and you will gradually increase you abilities. Do not expect your body to be able to carry out the same exercises and level of training every time you go to the gym because some days you will have a better workout than others; this is perfectly normal and to be expected.

Fitness training everyday can be punishing for the muscles and does not allow them to heal and grow so try to leave a day between workouts. The best exercises you can perform at the gym are those that will help your heart, lungs and stamina; called aerobic exercises they can include a whole host of regimes including running, stepping, rowing plus many more, all of which need large amounts of oxygen in the blood. Music may help you when you want to train for longer periods or to increase your intensity and the latest lightweight portable mp3 players are ideal for this. Make sure you get a decent pair of headphones though because you will probably want your music loud but not everyone else will want to listen to it. Stretching your body is a form of exercise in itself and a pleasant way to relax at the end of a hard day so it is worth doing regularly even if you do not want to workout.