7. WARM-UP AND COOL-DOWN
WORKOUT GUIDELINES
Eachworkoutshouldincludethefollowingthreeparts:
•Awarm-up,consistingof5to10minutesofstretchingandlightexercise.Aproperwarm-upincreasesyourbody
temperature,heartrate,andcirculationinpreparationforexercise.
•Trainingzoneexercise,consistingof20to30minutesofexercisingwithyourheartrateinyourtrainingzone.(Note:
Duringtherstfewweeksofyourexerciseprogram,donotkeepyourheartrateinyourtrainingzoneforlonger
than 20 minutes.)
•Acool-down,with5to10minutesofstretching.Thiswillincreasetheexibilityofyourmusclesandwillhelpto
preventpost-exerciseproblems.
EXERCISE FREQUENCY
Tomaintainorimproveyourcondition,planthreeworkoutseachweek,withatleastonedayofrestbetweenworkouts.
Afterafewmonthsofregularexercise,youmaycompleteuptoveworkoutseachweek,ifdesired.Remember,thekey
tosuccessismakeexercisearegularandenjoyablepartofyoureverydaylife.
SUGGESTED STRETCHES
The correct form for several basic stretches is shown at the right. Move slowly as you
stretch-never bounce.
1. Toe Touch Stretch
Standwithyourkneesbentslightlyandslowlybendforwardfromyourhips.
Allowyourbackandshoulderstorelaxasyoureachdowntowardyourtoesasfar
aspossible.Holdfor15counts,thenrelax.Repeat3times.Stretches:Hamstrings,
backofkneesandback.
2. Hamstring Stretch
Sitwithonelegextended.Bringthesoleoftheoppositefoottowardyouandrestit
againsttheinnerthighofyourextendedleg.Reachtowardyourtoesasfaras
possible.Holdfor15counts,thenrelax.Repeat3timesforeachleg.
Stretches:Hamstrings,lowerbackandgroin.
3. Calf/Achilles Stretch
With one leg in front of the other, reach forward and place your hands against a
wall.Keepyourbacklegstraightandyourbackfootatontheoor.Bendyour
front leg, lean forward and move your hips toward the wall. Hold for 15 counts,
thenrelax.Repeat3timesforeachleg.Tocausefurtherstretchingoftheachilles
tendons,bendyourbacklegaswell.Stretches:Calves,achillestendonsandankles.
4. Quadriceps Stretch
Withonehandagainstawallforbalance,reachbackandgrasponefootwithyour
otherhand.Bringyourheelasclosetoyourbuttocksaspossible.Holdfor15counts,
thenrelax.Repeat3timesforeachleg.Stretches:Quadricepsandhipmuscles.
5. Inner Thigh Stretch
Sitwiththesolesofyourfeettogetherandyourkneesoutward.Pullyourfeet
towardyourgroinareaasfaraspossible.Holdfor15counts,thenrelax.Repeat3
times. Stretches: Quadriceps and hip muscles.
For more information visit www.trojanhealth.co.za