I must confess that if there is one thing I don't like about exercise, it's stretching. I loath it. When I was a student of martial arts, I hated the first 30 minutes of each training session at the dojo. It hurt so much that I would start sweating bullets. Yet it kept me from serious injury (anything to do with martial arts will lead to injury, lol.)
However, knowing the benefit of proper stretching, I have adapted. Stretching will help you prepare for your exercise and your day even if you don't exercise. I make it a habit to put lotion on my legs prior to my cardio workout each day. This forces me to stretch my legs and back. As I'm walking around, I will stretch out my arms. Not really a methodical way of stretching, but it works.
The injuries I have endured over the last two years have been minor compared to some that can put you out for weeks at a time. A sore shoulder or elbow, a sprained wrist or ankle; these are acceptable. However a torn tendor or broken bone is an injury that can keep you out of the game for a long time, and may ruin your entire exercise program all together.
The overarching theme of exercise are these:
1. Safety First - Safety of yourself & Safety of others!
2. Technical Accuracy - Do the exercise correctly and you will avoid injury! Avoid heavy lifting!
3. Exercise Today in such a way that you will be able to exercise tomorrow. Don't overdo it!
4. Know yourself! You know your body better than anyone. Be reserved in your exercise. We are on the road for a LONG-HAUL operation.
Exercise is something that will be with you for a very long time. Give yourself ample time to achieve your goals. It took me just under two years to fix my health problems. That's great since I gave myself three years! I acheived my health goal and I'm able to move forward with other goals.
Be patient and start slow. In six months, you will start to notice positive changes in your body, health, mind, and spirit.
As a certified indoor cycling instructor for Bally's it's important to stretch both before and after a workout. Yes Kilian is correct to say how propoer form and stretching will help you get you the most benifit with the least amount of risk for injury. Don't be surprised, but it's true, that on a stationary bike such as those found in a spin class, there many important things an instructor has to consider for each student such has bike fit, riding position and posture for different drills. It's more tan just sitting on your butt and turning cranks. I urge you all to try it. If your instructor does not properly fit you to the bike and instruct proper posture, etc. find another that will and you will enjoy the class much more.
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