2. Introduction
• A competitive student athlete for 12 years, Cody
Saltsman has developed his own conditioning program
to help him recover from recent surgery. Engaged in
daily stretching as well as weight training, Cody
Saltsman plans to pursue a career in physical therapy to
help others build up strength and flexibility.
Daily stretching is important for the flexibility of any
athlete. Everyday life, particularly that of students and
those with sedentary day jobs, can make the body stiff
and tight. This tightness, combined with muscular
imbalances and lack of flexibility, can easily lead to pain
and injury.
3. Daily Stretching
• A good stretching routine helps to prevent this effect by
keeping the muscles long and encouraging the flow of lymph,
which lubricates the joints.
Experts recommend daily stretching routines that involve
static stretches held for 10 to 30 seconds. The stretch should
cause a gentle pulling sensation, though pain is a signal that
one has stretched too far and should scale back. Stretching
should only happen when the joints and muscles are warmed
up by physical activity, rather than immediately after a long
period of sitting or lying down. Finally, though it may be
tempting to hold one's breath during the stretch, normal
inhalation and exhalation are key to keeping blood flowing as
the muscles work.
