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Wii-tis [Part 2]: The Stretches
Last month we touched upon the popularity of the Nintendo Wii and the importance of warming up, stretching, and talked about when to take breaks (every 15-20 minutes). During these breaks is the perfect time to perform some stretches. Stretches performed while the muscles warm are beneficial to prevent tearing.
Some appropriate stretches for playing the Wii:
Wrist Stretches
2 different sets of wrist stretches are needed for the Wii since the wrist is moved in multiple directions. Wrist flexion and extension stretches are required to allow the muscles and tendons of the wrist and forearm to lengthen and prevent them from tightening and becoming restricted.
| Wrist flexion |
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Hold the wrist in this position with the palm up, elbow straight and arm at shoulder level. Hold stretch for 30 seconds to a minute while feeling a pull in the front of the forearm. |
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| Wrist extension |
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Hold the wrist in this position with the palm down, elbow straight and arm at shoulder leve. Hold stretch for 30 seconds to a minute while feeling a pull in the front of the forearm. |
Elbow Stretches
Wii games also require the elbow to flex and extend, so it is necessary to do stretches for the elbow to prevent conditions like golfer and tennis elbow and quite possibly a new condition called Wii Elbow.
| Elbow Flexion |
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Have arm out towards the side with elbow fully straightened and palm open. Hold stretch for 30 seconds to a minute feeling tension over the biceps muscle. |
Shoulder Stretches
Like the wrist, the shoulder moves in multiple directions, therefore it needs to be stretched out in multiple directions as well. Failure to do stretches can result in tendinitis and impingement problems in the shoulder causing pain and discomfort.
| Shoulder Flexion |
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Bring the shoulders backwards and stretch out the front portion of both shoulders.
Hold this position for 30 seconds. |
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| Shoulder Abductors |
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Bring the shoulder across your body while taking your opposite arm and trying to accentuate the stretch. Hold this position for 30 seconds. |
Keep in mind that these stretches are not only good for people who play the Nintendo Wii, but are also an invaluable tool for people who play any sort of racquet sports like tennis, badminton, squash, racquetball.
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