Check Out John Cena Working on the Splits Machine

As
a guy, you probably head to the gym with the intent to hit the weights as hard
as possible. However, flexibility matters as much to your overall fitness level
as your ability to bench press 250 pounds. If you want to look like an elite
athlete, you need to train like a pro. 

Check out the way wrestler-turned-actor John Cena gets his flexibility on after pumping serious iron. 

Why John Cena Uses the Splits Machine 

Even
though many of the performances in professional wrestling are for show, that
doesn’t mean the
fake stuff doesn’t hurt like the devil. You get hit, kicked and thrown
through the air like a ragdoll — and canvas isn’t that forgiving. Let’s not
even talk about steel chairs. 

For
these athletes, maintaining flexibility is vital. Think of your muscles like
rubber bands. If you have one that you never stretch, one hearty yank will rip
that puppy in two. However, if you work that rubber, keeping it gummy, you can
pull on it multiple times without a tear. A stretched muscle can handle a fall
into a semi-unnatural position, but a taut one will result in injury. 

Cena
has advice for people who want to use the splits machine to increase
flexibility through their inner thighs. You need to relax and breathe
through the discomfort to get the maximum stretch. Challenge yourself to
keep your back straight. Gradually ramp up the intensity — but remain aware
that, unlike other weight room machines, this device doesn’t have a dial to
mark your progress. You’ll know that you’re performing the move correctly when
you start cracking jokes about giving birth. 

Flexibility Is Vital to Total Fitness

While
researchers have found insufficient evidence to support or refute the
proposition that stretching prevents injury, athletes know that the activity
can improve their performance. Over time, strength training shortens
the resting lengths of muscles, which can lead to imbalances.
This condition can result in altered joint function and poor posture. 

Tight
muscles also put undue stress on tendons and ligaments around your joints.
You’ll find that your range of motion decreases, and if you try to push beyond
it, you could experience painful tearing. These injuries can sideline you for
weeks, sometimes even months. 

Should
you stretch before or after exercise? Research indicates that performing static stretches
before your workout can increase your risk of injury. For best results,
warm up by doing lighter versions of your intense exercises, such as walking
before a run, and cool down with static stretches. 

Train Like John Cena to Maximize Your Fitness
Potential 

If
you want to perform like John Cena, you need to train like he does — including
flexibility exercises. Save three to four minutes after your next workout to
give the splits machine a try.