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SUGGESTED STRETCHES
The correct form for several basic stretches is shown in the drawings
below. Move slowly as you stretch—never bounce.
1. Toe Touch Stretch
Stand with your knees bent slightly and slowly bend forward from your
hips. Allow your back and shoulders to relax as you reach down toward
your toes as far as possible. Hold for 15 counts, then relax. Repeat 3
times. Stretches: Hamstrings, back of knees and back.
2. Hamstring Stretch
Sit with one leg extended. Bring the sole of the opposite foot toward you
and rest it against the inner thigh of your extended leg. Reach toward
your toes as far as possible. Hold for 15 counts, then relax. Repeat 3
times for both legs. Stretches: Hamstrings, lower back and groin.
3. Calf/Achilles Stretch
With one leg in front of the other, reach forward and place your hands
against a wall. Keep your back leg straight and your back foot flat on
the floor. Bend your front leg, lean forward and move your hips toward
the wall. Hold for 15 counts, then relax. Repeat 3 times for both legs. To
cause further stretching of the achilles tendons, bend your back leg as
well. Stretches: Calves, achilles tendons and ankles.
4. Quadriceps Stretch
With one hand against a wall for balance, reach back and grasp one
foot with your other hand. Bring your heel as close to your buttocks as
possible. Hold for 15 counts, then relax. Repeat 3 times for both legs.
Stretches: Quadriceps and hip muscles.
5. Inner Thigh Stretch
Sit with the soles of your feet together and your knees outward. Pull
your feet toward your groin area as far as possible. Hold for 15 counts,
then relax. Repeat 3 times. Stretches: Quadriceps and hip muscles.
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WORKOUT GUIDELINES
Each workout should include the following three parts:
A Warm-up
Start each workout with 5 to 10 minutes of stretching
and light exercise. A proper warm-up increases your
body temperature, heart rate, and circulation in prepa-
ration for exercise.
Training Zone Exercise
After warming up, increase the intensity of your exer-
cise until your pulse is in your training zone for 20 to
60 minutes. (During the first few weeks of your exer-
cise program, do not keep your pulse in your training
zone for longer than 20 minutes.) Breathe regularly
and deeply as you exercise—never hold your breath.
A Cool-down
Finish each workout with 5 to 10 minutes of stretching
to cool down. This will increase the flexibility of your
muscles and will help prevent post-exercise problems.
EXERCISE FREQUENCY
To maintain or improve your condition, complete three
workouts each week, with at least one day of rest
between workouts. After a few months, you may com-
plete up to five workouts each week if desired. The
key to success is to make exercise a regular and
enjoyable part of your everyday life.