Quadricep Stretches

Most people who hit the gym believe that it is all about lifting formidable weights and running on the treadmill like a man would on the road when being chased by a rabid dog. Unfortunately, the individuals that fall under this category fail to give stretching its due importance. Stretching, if not more, is definitely as important as lifting weights or indulging in cardiovascular exercises. Moreover, as far as stretching goes, stretching the quadriceps muscles is as important as it gets. The quadriceps muscles are the four muscles that make up for the forepart of the thigh. These muscles also make for the most powerful group of muscles in the human body. If you have been neglecting the act of developing these muscles or refusing to stretch them, the time to make a positive change in your exercise schedule has arrived. Read on to gain access to tips and instructions on how exactly to stretch your quadriceps muscles.

Quadricep Exercises  

• Before beginning to stretch your quadriceps muscles you will have to first find yourself an exercise mat. This is because stretching on an exercise mat is so much more advisable than stretching without one, or on the floor. 
• You will also have to ensure that you are wearing the right clothes. ‘Right clothes’ here stand to signify the kind of clothes you would wear to the gym. After all you don’t want to attempt to stretch your quadriceps wearing a pair of your tightest jeans. 
• Although the instructions that are going to come your way soon promise to help you stretch your quadriceps on your own, it is prudent not do to so on your own. At first shot it is best to have a fitness expert by your side to help correct minute errors in your stance. However, if you can’t get a professional to help you out, ensure that you follow the ‘oncoming’ instructions as they should be. 
• Remember, your quadriceps muscles are those muscles that play a role in getting your knees to your chest. They also help straighten your legs. This is exactly why it is important to keep your quadriceps strong, which can ultimately reduce stress on your knees.  
• Now that the prelude to the instructions on how to stretch your quadriceps is done with, it is time to begin with the same. Start off by standing up straight on your exercise mat. Here you will have to take extra care to ensure that your feet are just shoulder-width apart. Any wider or narrower is not acceptable.   
• Post achieving the basic stance of the ‘stretch’, find yourself a counter or a chair to help you maintain balance. The counter or the chair is crucial to the success of the stretching of your quadriceps.  
• With your left hand on the counter or chair, slowly and carefully lift your right leg off the ground. Your right hand should be holding your ankle to your buttock and your knee should be pointing towards the floor. Most people tend to slouch when attempting this step; however, you will have to make sure that you don’t. 
• To prevent slouching, simply thrust your hips forward, push your chest out and throw back your shoulder blades. With this in mind, the chances of slouching are as good as eliminated. You can also contract your abdominal muscles to avoid the arching of your back.   
• With the successful implementation of the above steps, you will feel the stretch in the front of your thigh. When you know you are feeling the stretch, stay in that very position for fifteen to twenty seconds. 
• Repeat the same series of steps for your left leg while also taking care not to slouch.