I've received comments that by doing the "non-strenuous" exercises suggested in the article, Warm Up Exercises, some people felt a little bit of pain as their muscles stretched. I can only caution everyone that although these exercises are not very physical in nature, they do serve their purposes. Please heed the warning:

Note: Before attempting or beginning any new exercise or warm-up program, please be sure to consult with a qualified physician.

It's suggested you do stretching exercises at least twice daily - once in the morning and again late in the afternoon - and of course, prior to bowling. Keep to the level suggested - 3 sets of 5 repetitions. Five minutes of gentle muscle stretches on a regular basis can do just as good as 20 minutes of tough, very physical exercises.

This is not say that you should not do the physical things such as, jogging, bicycling, workouts in the gym, or whatever your regular exercises are for toning your body. If you are already in a physical workout routine, perhaps you want to add these stretches to your pre-workout regimen. These stretches are to keep your muscles as flexible as possible. Shoulder, back, and leg pains are the most common in our sport of bowling.

Adding to your "Choc-list" of warm up exercises (remember, 3 sets, 5 reps):

1) Neck and shoulder stretch - Sit comfortable in a chair, bend your head forward (down) and slowly rotate your head in a clockwise rotation. Now, repeat it in a counter-clockwise rotation.

2) Neck Stretch - In the sitting position, bend your head forward until your chin touches your chest and you feel the muscles on the back of your neck stretch. Now, tilt your head back as far as you can go.

3) Calf stretch - Using the back end of the lane approach (or some other elevated surface such as steps) balance on the balls of your feet with the heel slightly downward. Then, raise yourself on your toes - optionally, move to a flat surface and raise yourself on your toes.

4) Side Stretches - Place your feet about shoulder length apart. Extend your right arm over your head and bend sideways at your waist and leaning to the left side of your body. Reverse the process with the left arm.

If you have not done these exercises before, you should be cautious when beginning your program and never, ever, overdo them the first time.

A Hui Hou! (See You Again!)