Roc Shabazz - Fitness Tip

Stretching is an essential component of an exercise routine. However, recent studies reveal that most people do not incorporate enough stretching exercises into their fitness programs. Here are some helpful stretching exercises to increase flexibility and decrease stress and tension.

Stretch before and after exercising

Prior to working out, it is important to assess the type of fitness activity, activity level and an understanding of which body parts are tight. In general, it is important to stretch the neck, back, torso, hips and legs. We recommend performing the following stretches before working out: Spinal Rolls (straight forward and diagonal - left and right), Standing Side Sways (alternating on each side), Standing Quad Stretches and Standing Calf Stretches. Once your workout is complete, it is extremely important to perform cool down exercises to decrease muscle tension and increase your flexibility. Sample cool down stretches include:Rocking Forward Bends, Hip Openers, Straddle Stretches and Spinal Twists.

Stretching keeps the muscles elongated

As you workout, you put physical stress on your body to strengthen your muscles. In that process your body can become tight and somewhat constricted. Treating your body to a nurturing stretch elongates and opens up your muscles to receive oxygen and blood nutrients and to eliminate waste.

Gina and Roc Shabazz - Owners of Fitness Pros 2000

Fitness Pros offers Atlanta residents and beyond innovative and fun ways to get into shape and feel great! Owned and operated by IFBB Pro Roc Shabazz, one of the Southeast's top bodybuilder; also named by Atlanta Sports and Fitness Magazine as "Athlete of the Year"

Fitness Pros 2000 strives to meet the athletic and nutritional needs of the community by providing the following services:

• A professional customized nutritional program
• Supplements
• Cardiovascular training
• Strength training
• Body fat analysis/measurements
• Before and after pictures
• Massage Therapy Referral
• Stretching
• Chiropractic Referral
• Stress Management
• Group Training
• One-on-One Personal Training

Our typical fitness routines are based on a 'team and group' philosophy, with specific emphasis on aerobic cross-training. All of our clientele will receive continued nutritional consultation throughout the duration of their personalized programs.

To join our Fitness Pro 2000 family and achieve the goals you never thought were attainable; please contact us at
(404) 275-4116 or via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Fitness Pros 2000
"The Real Roc"

There are many health benefits associated with stretching regularly

The benefits include: reduced stress, tension and anxiety, increased mind/body awareness, improved circulation, increased energy levels, reduced risk of injuries and improved posture, just to name a few.

Example warm-up stretches:

1. Stand straight with your feet shoulder distance apart.
2. Gently bring your chin to your chest. (Relax the muscles in the back of your neck.)
3. Let your shoulders collapse forward. (Relax the muscles in your upper back, shoulders, and arms.)
4. Allow your knees to bend gradually as you continue to round forward. (Relax all the muscles through your back. Roll back up in the same SLOW fashion.)

1. Stand straight with your feet shoulder distance apart, and turn your shoulders and hips to face diagonal right.
2. Bring your chin to your chest. (Let go of the muscles in the back of your neck.)
3. Allow your shoulders to collapse forward. (Let go the muscles go through your upper back, shoulders, and arms).
4. Continue to roll down through the center of your back. (Allow your knees to bend and arms to hang loosely while you relax your entire back.)
5. Roll down into your lower back. (Increase the bend in your knees if you need to. Slowly roll up in the same loose fashion.)
6. Repeat to the left.

Example cool-down stretches:

1. Begin sitting with your legs extended straight in front of you and relax your body forward. (Allow your knees, ankles and feet to be soft.)
2. Lean to one side and place your hands and elbows on the ground beside your legs for support.
3. Rock your body side to side (from left and right). Let your leg and buttocks cheek come all the way off the ground.

1. Begin lying on your back with both legs extended out straight and bring your left knee into your chest.
2. Cross your left leg across your body.
3. Extend your left arm straight out to the left. (Allow your body to melt down into the ground. Calmly follow your breath down your spine.)
4. Repeat to the other side.