The importance of a good stretch. (Body talk: black health and fitness).(Brief Article)

IT has long been stressed that stretching is one of the most important and beneficial parts of any exercise program, but it's also one of the most frequently ignored elements by thousands who participate in regular physical workouts. In an era when more and more people are becoming more conscious of their bodies and are trying to get (and stay) in shape, health and fitness experts say implementing a stretching routine can increase flexibility, help maintain healthy muscles and connective tissue, and lessen the possibility of injury.

For best results, it's recommended that you engage in a stretching routine that targets the entire body (legs, back, arms, groin, torso). But if that isn't possible, then you should concentrate on the areas that you use primarily in your regular physical activities. For example, runners should focus on the lower body, and weightlifters should concentrate on the upper body.

It is common for many exercise enthusiasts to incorporate stretching as part of their pre-workout routine to prevent pulled or torn muscles, but they could be doing more harm than good if the muscles aren't warmed up first. Fitness experts point out that stretching cold muscles increases the risk of injury to muscles, ligaments and delicate joints. That being the ...