Category: Health
Living Healthy
The Best Leg Stretches
Pregnant women are among certain people who suffer from leg cramps more than the general population. Water retention, lack of blood circulation and exercise may lead to this condition. Stretching the legs can help with leg cramps and other conditions such as arthritis, as well as help build muscle resistance and flexibility. Leg stretches can also help a person prepare for running, walking and other leg exercises by stretching the ligaments. There are different ways that people can stretch their legs in order to keep their legs strong.
Warm Up Stretches Before Exercise
Warm-up stretching should be part of everyone’s exercise routine. After doing a brief cardiovascular warm-up, like jogging in place or jumping rope, it’s important to take a few minutes to stretch out your muscles prior to beginning your workout. Warm-up stretches will help prepare your muscles for activity. Warm-up stretches will also increase your flexibility, which can help prevent exercise-induced injuries.
Ways to Stretch Your Legs
In addition to increasing your flexibility, stretching can help loosen stiff muscles and reduce stress. When you stretch, you help lengthen your muscles, reduce tightness and increase the range of motion of your joints. Stretching can also help to reduce pain and increase personal comfort. You can stretch in the morning, in the evening or whenever you have a few moments to spare. If you choose to stretch before exercising, be sure to do a brief warmup first so that your body has a chance to transition into the activity.
Exercises to Tone Lower Abs
You can be a weight lifter or a power stepper and still not be targeting those lower abdominal muscles. The fact is, the lower abs comprise one of the most difficult areas of the body to tone. Try a few of the following exercises in tandem to burn away the excess fat that likes to reside in the lower abs while toning the muscles.
About Sunblock
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. According to the Women’s Dermatologic Society, more than 1 million new diagnoses are made each year. Sun exposure is the leading cause of skin cancer. Sun exposure also can cause powerful damage to skin–wrinkling, aging and spotting. Sunblock (also known as sunscreen) can protect your skin by absorbing or blocking harmful solar rays.