Many people consider it unnecessary but people who do not perform stretching movements before and after a workout are more likely to hurt themselves. By allowing this five minute period at the end of an exercise routine will increase muscle flexibility, well beyond the physical activity period and lessen the chance of injury after the workout.

Hold your stretching position for more than 60 seconds to increase flexibility, because although holding your position for 20 seconds is enough for warm ups; holding each position for at least 60 seconds will develop the body’s flexibility. It is not advisable to stretch and then relax straight away but to return to the original position slowly.

By hold the stretched position for several seconds, and then slowly relaxing means you can do this exercise repeatedly, but bouncing or forcing yourself into a position during stretching can strain or damage some joints or muscles. Always start with the easiest exercises first until you have warmed up sufficiently to carry out the more difficult ones and ensure that all the muscle groups are warmed before you start training.

Another neglected area to stretch and warm up is the neck, it’s amazing how many people forget even though it is not difficult to do, in fact all it requires is the palm of the hand being placed on the forehead and pushing against it; this can be repeated for the back and sides. Stretch regularly before fitness training to continually increase your range of movements and your level of flexibility and strength.

Workout only to your capabilities and not that of others so do not force yourself to do exercises that you are not yet capable of just because there are people who can do it; increase your limits slowly and listen to your body. 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. Aerobic exercises are very good for the health of your heart and improve lung capacity and lower the heart rate; look to carry out rowing, running, skipping for example before you start attacking the weight machines.

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. Just make sure that you take your headset with you so you won’t disturb people who may prefer not to listen to your music while exercising. 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.