STRETCH before working on your computer
Did you know that spending long hours at your computer can put
your health at serious risk? Most people does not even consider
that possibility, but t does, Working at a desk is extremely
hard on your body, and I would like to share this with you so
maybe you can avoid some of the most common health risks.
TYPES OF STRETCHING
What do we usually do before engaging on a workout at the gym?
We stretch, right? But have you ever thought why we do this?
Stretching is very important. It warms up the muscles by
increasing its alertness and blood flow to avoid injury. There
are different types of stretching that cater to different needs.
1. Ballistic stretching
This type of stretching forces a moving limb way beyond its
normal range of movement. One example of ballistic stretching is
touching your fingers to your toes. This type brings you to a
suddenly stretched position instead of a gradual one. The
muscles that are stretched serves as a spring that can get you
out of the stretched position. This type of stretch is not that
useful and can lead to injuries. It does not give your muscles
enough time to relax and adjust in the stretched position.
2. Dynamic stretching
This is the opposite of ballistic stretching. In this type, you
are not forced to stretch your muscles drastically. Examples of
this type are torso twists and leg and arm swings. It involves
gradual and slow movements of body parts. There is also a slow
increase in reach and in the speed of movement. It is of big
help to one's warm up for martial arts and dancing classes.
3. Active stretching
There is also what you call the active stretching or the
static-active stretching. This requires you to stretch, for
example, your leg, up in the air and hold it there for a few
seconds. You hold it in place without asking for any assistance
but from your antagonist muscles. This kind of stretching can
help relax the muscles and is done for ten to fifteen seconds.
Yoga utilizes this type of stretching.
4. Passive stretching
This is also called the relaxed stretching or static-passive
stretching. This type is somewhat like the static-active
stretch. However, with static-passive stretching, you need
someone or an apparatus to hold the stretched out limb for you.
An example of this is stretching up your leg while it is being
held up in place by, say, your gym instructor. Splitting is also
a perfect example of passive stretching. The floor serves as the
apparatus to help support your stretched out position.
5. Static Stretching
Static stretching is usually confused with passive stretching.
However, these stretches are two different things. In static
stretching, you are brought to the farthest point of your
stretch and holding it in place. On the other hand, passive
stretching is a more relaxed form of stretching because you do
not have to control the range of motion because it is created by
an outside force either mechanically or manually.
6. sometric Stretching
Isometric stretching is a kind of static stretching that does
not require movement. You just have to tense the stretched out
muscles. This can be used to increase the static-passive
flexibility and is more effective active or passive stretching
alone. It can also enhance strength on tensed muscles that can
help decrease pain due to stretching. An example this is when
you push up on a wall. Asking someone to hold your leg up for
you while you force your leg down is also an example of
isometric stretching. This kind of stretch is not apt for
growing children and adolescents because they are flexible
enough that these strong stretches could just increase the risk
of muscle injuries.
7. PNF Stretching
PNF means proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation. This is
actually a technique and not a type of stretch. It combines
passive and isometric stretching so you can reach your static
flexibility maximum. As a matter of fact, this is used as a
rehabilitation therapy for stroke victims. Similar to the
isometric stretching, this type is not recommended for children
and others who have growing bones.
There goes the different types of stretching. In order to avoid
injuries, it is better to stretch before doing anything else. Be
it just for some light activity or a heavy workload. Take
stretching seriously and feel the benefits it can give your body.
There are other risks as you sit in front of that computer but
it would be to much to write about in this article, so if you
would like to learn more about other risks such as:
Eye strain RSI (Repetitive Stress Syndrome) Carpal Tunnel
Syndrome Constant Head Aches Dizziness Breathing Problems
Difficulty Concentrating
You can learn all about this in the book: "The Painless PC",
which can be found at:
www.HealthCrow.com