Stretch Bands
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US $.01
When and How to Stretch for Best Results
Knowing how and when to stretch properly is just as important for preventing injury as well as improving performance and flexibility.
Let me start with a question. Say you have a bag of rubber bands in the refrigerator for safe keeping. Would you take one of the bands and stretch it to its maximum straight out of the cold refrigerator? What do you think might happen? Will it develop some micro tears, maybe tear completely? Not of much use now is it? So, if you wouldn’t want to do this with a rubber band, you probably wouldn’t want to do this with your un-warmed-up muscles either.
We have all heard that ballistic stretching (taking a muscle to its limit and then attempting to bounce past it) is not good and particularly not good for cold muscles. Now, new research shows that static stretching (stretching and holding) can also cause injury and damage cold muscles and connective tissue when done prior to activity. Even if you are warmed-up it is still not the best choice of stretching. When you take and hold a static position micro tears can occur which besides weakening the muscle begins the inflammatory response. Since the idea is to facilitate your athletic endeavor, the opposite is likely occurring.
So, what gives? Now I’m messin’ with your routine and all you wanted to do was go for a run or play some hoops. So, what’s a person ta do? Dynamic stretching…that’s right… controlled movement stretching. You want to warm and elongate your muscles with a series of movements that somewhat mimic the activity you will participate in. The key is to ease into the movements gradually increasing the reach and speed of motion. Once you reach maximal range of motion in a direction stop and switch to another exercise. Over stretching tired or fatigued muscles can cause shortening. Kinesthetic memory (muscle memory) will result with your muscles remembering the shortened stretch and that will become your new limit.
A few dynamic stretches I like are jumping jacks, followed by star toe touches. Simply hold your hands over head, feet wider than shoulder width, and begin by touching the right hand toward the left foot and vice versa. With each successive repetition increase reach. Next I do 5-10 squats. Remember to keep the weight on the heels and only go as low as comfortable. Continue with swinging stretch kicks. Swing a straight leg up and forward then ease back to the ground. Repeat 10 times with increasing speed and reach. Repeat other side. For arms and shoulders simulate backstrokes and ball tosses. Finally, mimic your sports movements, gradually increasing the dynamics.
Now, that you ran your farthest, played your best and otherwise impressed the hell out of your friends…time to cool down. This is the time to do your static stretches as they will be most productive post exercise. Be sure to stretch all muscle groups involved, both upper and lower body.
Another type of stretch that is extremely effective for building flexibility is PNF stretching. Again, this should only be performed after activity and no more than every other day. This type of stretching requires a partner. Let’s use a hamstring stretch as an example. Begin by lying on your back with say, your right leg straight up in the air. Have your partner slowly push your leg back toward your shoulder while you relax. Once you reach maximal range of motion have them hold this position for 15-20 seconds. At this point resist their movement by pressing against them trying to bring your leg to the ground for 10-15 seconds. Relax a few seconds and have them push you to your new limit and hold for 20 seconds, relax 10-15 more seconds then move on to the other side. This is a safe way to get big gains in range of motion by taking advantage of kinesthetic memory. Before you know it you’ll feel faster, looser and other wise all the more spry.
About the Author
John Diaz is a Los Angeles/Hollywood Personal Trainer. Since 1989 he has helped hundreds of clients achieve their fitness goals. For more great tips and information visit his website at http://www.ultimatehlth.com.
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Valeo Stretch Bands $9.99 Includes Three Bands Of Different Resistance Levels |
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Exercise Stretch Bands $7.99 Increase strength and flexibility without wear and tear on your knees and ankle joints with these easy-to-use, latex Exercise Stretch Bands. This exercise equipment provides low-impact resistance to trim and firm arms, legs, buttocks, chest, shoulders, waist and abs. Great for men and women. Easy-to-follow, illustrated exercises included. Set of 3 color-coded bands at graduated resistance levels. 4'L x 5 1/2"W. • Trims & Firms Legs, Arms, Chest, Shoulders, Back & Abs • Tone, Strengthen & Improve Flexibility Without Joint Stress! |
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Altus Latex Stretch Bands $11.49 An Effective Way To Tone And Shape Arms, Legs And Buttocks |
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Davina Pilates Stretch Bands - Set of 3. $7.99 Use these Pilates Stretch Bands from the Davina range to perform a variety of exercises. A great way to tone and strengthen key muscles as well as adding an exciting new dimension to your workout. Perform a wide variety of upper and lower-body exercises with these oversized stretch bands.Stretch, tone and strengthen abs, arms, legs and back.Stretches upper and lower body.Tightens abdominals.Tones biceps and triceps.Develops shoulders and back.Slims thighs and buttocks.Fitness guide included.3 bands of resistance: light, medium and heavy.Heavy duty.Lightweight and compact for easy portability and storage. |
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10mm Mesh Bracelet Stretch Bands for Vertu Charms $89 Fabulous 10MM Stainless Steel Mesh Bands in your choice of an array of fabulous colors. Colored bracelets are created with a special enamel coating (except for Gold color which is 18k plated and Stainless which is not plated). Bracelets stretch over your wrist and fit 6 3/4 - 7 1/2" wrists - other lengths may be available, please inquire Vertu charms sold separately - see below Matching ring available, please inquire Click here to return to the Vertu collection . |
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Stretch Silicone Cooking Bands (Case of 25) $20.67 Use these silicone HotCooking Bands anywhere butcher's twine, string or toothpicks are used. In assorted colors, these heat-resistant bands are perfect for marking and identifying food. Materials: Silicone Silicone bands are disposable or reusable, food safe and freezer safe Each 2-inch band fits up to an 8 pound turkey Reusable storage container includedPack of 25 bands come in assorted colors, ideal for food identification |
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Sportleisure Technology Corp Pilates Stretch Bands BY7657MU $31.13 Full body toning. Heavyduty oversized bands are great for many stretching and toning exercises. 3 levels of resistance light medium and heavy. Fitness guide included. Set of 3. Length: 1. Width: 6.5. Height: 5.25 |
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Hot Glove Wrap Bands $4.99 Hot Glove Wrap Bands. Hot Glove Wrap Bands help break in your new glove. Place a ball in the pocket and wrap the bands in an X pattern around the glove. The thick durable rubberbands stretch and work on any glove model. |
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42549 - Antimicrobial Rubber Bands $2.45 latex-free Rubber Bands Feature An Antimicrobial Compound That Inhibits The Growth Of Microorganisms And Protects The Rubber Bands From Contamination And Early Deterioration. Antimicrobial Compound Does Not Protect From Food Borne Or Disease Causing Microorganisms. Rubber Bands Contain No Natural Rubber Proteins And Are 100 Percent Latex-free. High Quality Rubber Band Delivers A Soft Stretch For Stress-free Application. [A642549] Assembly Required UPC: 071815425494 UNSPC: 44122101 0.35 LB |
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Bands $10 Bands - YC |
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Super Stretch Rubber Bands - School Supplies $1.29 Soft & springy Will not break your hair Premium quality Includes pink, orange, green, yellow & purple Made in USA Household , School & Office Supplies , Office Supplies , Elastics & Ponytail Accessories |
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Fitness By Cathe 6 Ft. Tpr Stretch Bands With Dvd $24.99 FEATURES: Use For Fitness, Core, Yoga/Pilates, Sport Training Fitness, Aerobics, Yoga/Pilates, Walking Double Stitched Durability Synthetic Leather Palm Flex Spandex Thumb Insert Made From Breathable Nylon Mesh And Lycra Flexible Neoprene Knuckle Design Adjustable Fit - Slip On, Slip Off Washable Diet & Fitness , Yoga & Pilates , Straps & Bands , Resistance Bands |
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Glossy Bands (PACKAGE) $27.91 #8 Award Winner Disney`s FamilyFun Toy of the Year Award 2010Glossy Bands start as a special, non-toxic, acrylic gel. To make one, simply squeeze out dots of color following one of the patterns in the book. Then use the swirling stick to mix the color into fancy designs. Once it’s dry, peel your bracelet up, wrap it around your wrist, and admire. Then, just stretch the bracelet to take it off. Beautiful, durable, completely wearable pieces of art.Comes With: 4 different colors of non-toxic, acrylic gel in squeeze bottles, clear plastic work surface, swirling sticks• Create wonderful things • Be good • Have fun |
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Silicon Monkeys Bands (Case of 144) $29.09 Collect them, wear them or trade with them with your friends. These silly silicon monkey shaped bands make a perfect accessory or party favor.Time to monkey aroundMix and match themNo matter how you stretch them they come back into shapeThese bands are made of 100-percent silicon to last longerFor ages 3 and upIndividual pack contains 12 bandsComes in master case of 12 packs of 12 bands (144 pieces total) |
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Breast Cancer Elastic Head Bands $2.79 Show your Courage and Strength! The pink ribbon headbands are perfect for your next Breast Cancer Awareness event. These hairbands make great inspirational give a ways. Four hairbands per set. Elastic stretch bands. Two with pink ribbon design and two plain bands in each set. Assorted colors. These pink ribbon party favors are perfect for your next Breast Cancer awareness fundraiser or event. Part of Events > Pink Ribbon & Breast Cancer Awareness > Favors, Toys, Gifts |
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42199 - Antimicrobial Rubber Bands-Cyan#19 $2.45 latex-free Rubber Bands Feature An Antimicrobial Compound That Inhibits The Growth Of Microorganisms And Protects The Product From Contamination. Does Not Protect From Food Borne Or Disease Causing Microorganisms. Rubber Bands Contain No Natural Rubber Proteins And Are 100 Percent Latex-free. Consistent, High Quality Rubber Bands With Excellent Band Count Per Pound And Soft Stretch For Stress-free Application. Made In Usa. [A642199] UPC: 071815421991 UNSPC: 44122101 0.35 LB |
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42649 - Antimicrobial Rubber Bands-Cyan#64 $2.45 latex-free Rubber Bands Feature An Antimicrobial Compound That Inhibits The Growth Of Microorganisms And Protects The Product From Contamination. Does Not Protect From Food Borne Or Disease Causing Microorganisms. Rubber Bands Contain No Natural Rubber Proteins And Are 100 Percent Latex-free. Consistent, High Quality Rubber Bands With Excellent Band Count Per Pound And Soft Stretch For Stress-free Application. Made In Usa. [A642649] UPC: 071815426491 UNSPC: 44122101 0.35 LB |
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42179 - Antimicrobial Rubber Bands-Cyan#117B $2.45 latex-free Rubber Bands Feature An Antimicrobial Compound That Inhibits The Growth Of Microorganisms And Protects The Product From Contamination. Does Not Protect From Food Borne Or Disease Causing Microorganisms. Rubber Bands Contain No Natural Rubber Proteins And Are 100 Percent Latex-free. Consistent, High Quality Rubber Bands With Excellent Band Count Per Pound And Soft Stretch For Stress-free Application. Made In Usa. [A642179] UPC: 071815421793 UNSPC: 44122101 0.35 LB |
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42339 - Antimicrobial Rubber Bands-Cyan#33 $2.45 latex-free Rubber Bands Feature An Antimicrobial Compound That Inhibits The Growth Of Microorganisms And Protects The Product From Contamination. Does Not Protect From Food Borne Or Disease Causing Microorganisms. Rubber Bands Contain No Natural Rubber Proteins And Are 100 Percent Latex-free. Consistent, High Quality Rubber Bands With Excellent Band Count Per Pound And Soft Stretch For Stress-free Application. Made In Usa. [A642339] UPC: 071815423391 UNSPC: 44122101 0.35 LB |
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Silicon Tie Dye Angel Bands (Case of 144) $25.97 Collect them, wear them or trade with them with your friends. These silly silicon tie dye angel bands make a perfect accessory or party favor.Tie dyed for funMix and match themNo matter how you stretch them they come back into shapeThese bands are made of 100-percent silicon to last longerFor ages 3 and upIndividual pack contains 12 bandsComes in master case of 12 packs of 12 bands (144 pieces total) |
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Silicon Tie Dye Princess Bands (Case of 144) $20.66 Collect them, wear them or trade with them with your friends. These silly silicon tie dye princess bands make a perfect accessory or party favor.Tie dyed for funMix and match themNo matter how you stretch them they come back into shapeThese bands are made of 100-percent silicon to last longerFor ages 3 and upIndividual pack contains 12 bandsComes in master case of 12 packs of 12 bands (144 pieces total) |
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Silicon Tie Dye Vehicle Bands (Case of 144) $20.77 Collect them, wear them or trade with them with your friends. These silly silicon tie dye vehicle bands make a perfect accessory or party favor.Tie dyed for funMix and match themNo matter how you stretch them they come back into shapeThese bands are made of 100-percent silicon to last longerFor ages 3 and upIndividual pack contains 12 bandsComes in master case of 12 packs of 12 bands (144 pieces total) |
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Silicon Tie Dye Sports Bands (Case of 144) $25.97 Collect them, wear them or trade with them with your friends. These silly silicon tie dye sports bands make a perfect accessory or party favor.Tie dyed for funMix and match themNo matter how you stretch them they come back into shapeThese bands are made of 100-percent silicon to last longerFor ages 3 and upIndividual pack contains 12 bandsComes in master case of 12 packs of 12 bands (144 pieces total) |
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Silicon Glow in the Dark Princess Bands (Case of 144) $22.64 Collect them, wear them or trade with them with your friends. These silly silicon glow in the dark princess bands make a perfect accessory or party favor.Glow in the dark for funMix and match themNo matter how you stretch them they come back into shapeThese bands are made of 100-percent silicon to last longerFor ages 3 and upIndividual pack contains 12 bandsComes in master case of 12 packs of 12 bands (144 pieces total) |
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Silicon Tie Dye Peace Bands (Case of 144) $25.97 Collect them, wear them or trade with them with your friends. These silly silicon tie dye peace bands make a perfect accessory or party favor.Tie dyed for funMix and match themNo matter how you stretch them they come back into shapeThese bands are made of 100-percent silicon to last longerFor ages 3 and upIndividual pack contains 12 bandsComes in master case of 12 packs of 12 bands (144 pieces total) |