Arm circles are a common stretching exercise that often feature in warm-up routines for many sports and activities, including running, swimming, gymnastics, and dance. They involve standing with arms outstretched to the sides of the body and then rotating them forward or backward in small or large circles.
While arm circles may seem like a simple and harmless exercise, they have been shown to cause injury when performed incorrectly or excessively. In this article, we will explore why arm circles are considered a dangerous stretching exercise and how you can avoid injury while incorporating them into your workouts.
The Anatomy of Arm Circles
Before we address the potential dangers associated with arm circles as an exercise movement, it is necessary to understand the anatomy of these simple movements. The primary muscles involved in performing arm circles are the deltoids (shoulders), trapezius (upper back), serratus anterior (ribcage), rotator cuff muscles (shoulder joint), biceps brachii (forearm muscle).
When performing arm circle exercises at different speeds or intensity levels, these muscles work together to stretch out connective tissues present around shoulder joints such as tendons that connect muscles to bones located around those joints – thereby enhancing flexibility around shoulders motions.
Why Are Arm Circles Considered Dangerous Stretching Exercise?
1) Overuse Injury
One reason that arm circles are considered a dangerous stretching exercise is because excessive repetition can lead to overuse injuries- especially if done without proper warm-up routine control from start to finish. These injuries include tendinitis – an inflammation of tissue near attachment sites between tendon/muscle fibers onto bone; Rotator cuff tear – which occurs with repeated forceful rotations of shoulders inside socket leading potentially permanent disability unless treated surgically; Torn/damaged ligaments resulting from poor strength due recurrence causing persistent pain & inability complete tasks normally not observable immediately after initial soreness develops but persist until treated properly further surgery required extent damage occurs will depend on the extent of initial injury.
2) Poor Technique
Another reason that arm circles can be dangerous is due to poor technique. It is important to maintain good posture while performing them, draw shoulder blades together and keep shoulders down with elbows slightly bent through your range of motion instead of allowing shoulders crept up or hunched forward However, improper form like doing arm circles hurriedly, incorrect angles/positioning for arms etc. may cause overexertion when trying to achieve full ROM (Range Of Motion) leading to Potential back strain discomfort which often continues after rest and worsens if not treated well in enough time will require medical attention due stress exerted onto other muscles/joints & ligaments around neck as stabilizers also affected.
How To Avoid Injury When Doing Arm Circles Stretch Exercise
To perform arm circles safely:
1) Perform a proper warm-up — Warm-up exercises are crucial before undertaking any low-impact aerobic activity such as stretching; getting your heart rate elevated reduces risks of injuries occurring from muscular stimulation caused by sudden movements.
2) Breath Through Your Movements: There should be adequate breathing during exercise especially moderate-intensity ones because this supplies oxygenated blood-to working muscles meaning they have less chance becoming strained if their energy supply met adequately thus helping them relax during subsequent exercise sessions introducing prolonged relaxation periods preventing future cramps soreness surges require hospitalization ER trip
3) Be Conscious About Strain Limits – Performing stretches you’re comfortable with ensures minimal risk possible mostly measured through repetition per minute gradually increased overtime until absolute maximum desired flexibility achieved set training thresholds accordingly whilst listening carefully so feedback loop enables fitness aspirations realized without impinging joint strain limits guarantees long term healthy habit gets built up effectively done correctly resulting overall health benefits accrued ultimately enhancing our quality lifestyle improving condition musculature enhancement henceforth eliminating fear associated exercising deemed unsafe strenuous harmful joints limbs overall physiology functioning smoothly post-exercise session activities minimized likelihood prolonged distressed soreness undisturbed good sleep patterns provide optimum balance between effort/results.
In conclusion, arm circles stretching exercise is useful for enhancing shoulder mobility strength necessary activities such as sports or physical demanding jobs. However, performing them haphazardly following improper techniques increasing speed may lead to developing injuries that harm permanent severe lasting repercussions if not treated well in time medical attention sort immediately without delay. With the right experience guidance from a qualified trainer/physical therapist who can show you how to perform stretches correctly will ultimately reduce the risks posed by these exercises & allow us reap greater benefits stay fit healthy over long periods of time.