Do you stretch?

distinctlybeautiful

Do you do it as a cool-down or warm-up, or do you do it separately from your regular workout?

(Forgive me for differentiating between a workout and stretching. I know that for some people stretching is a workout, and I don't mean to discount that at all.)

Also, I'm not seeking any advice. Just curious what people are doing. Thanks!

jemhh

On my weightlifting days, I generally walk for about 10 minutes and then stretch for another 10 minutes before I start lifting. I do not usually do it afterward or as a workout on its own. I should stretch after running but, lately, I have not. That's more due to time issues than anything else.

jacklfc88

Absolutely 100% every time I train. Stretching is so important. My warm up is usually a 5 minute run on treadmill, then full body stretching for another 6-7 minutes.

jacklfc88

Absolutely 100% every time I train. Stretching is so important. My warm up is usually a 5 minute run on treadmill, then full body stretching for another 6-7 minutes.

Clarewho

I've always stretched after but I think I'm in the minority. Ppl in my gym seem not to bother. I never stretch cold muscles before and the only time I would stretch during is for instance a muscle that was a bit tight before I start the exercise - then I'll warm it up and have a stretch near start.

I have a feeling current advice is only stretch afterwards? Someone more knowledgeable will no doubt correct me

jacklfc88

Clarewho wrote: »

I've always stretched after but I think I'm in the minority. Ppl in my gym seem not to bother. I never stretch cold muscles before and the only time I would stretch during is for instance a muscle that was a bit tight before I start the exercise - then I'll warm it up and have a stretch near start.

I have a feeling current advice is only stretch afterwards? Someone more knowledgeable will no doubt correct me

before and after is best. sometimes i finish on a light exercise with a high range of movement and do nice controlled reps to stretch out muscle

sofaking6

I only stretch after - a couple of limber-up type moves before but otherwise I don't feel there's much point in trying to stretch cold muscles. I have a 15 minute little routine I do after every workout.

blue736

I only stretch in the winter cold months before training Neva in summer or warm days Neva had any problems.

dopeysmelly

Always stretch for about 5 mins after, or my leg joints are really stiff the next day. Never before. My warm-up is a brisk walk for 10 mins or so.

Glossberg

I stretch a few minutes before runs but nothing after.

As for cool downs.....Based on how much time I have and what I was working on for the run, I will sometimes run a slower last mile or two.

Mycophilia

I don't do any stretching unless I'm having a mobility issue. No cool downs and only warm up with some lighter weights on my exercises.

Sam_I_Am77

Clarewho wrote: »

I have a feeling current advice is only stretch afterwards? Someone more knowledgeable will no doubt correct me

Actually that's not going to be true, people should do some mobility work before the train. Now, the actual stretching prescription is going to be individualized because most people will have different needs. Stretching is important because if your muscles are not working correctly then you will not perform the exercises correctly and you risk injury or at the very least have a less effective workout.

Pre-workout, definitely do some kind of warm-up & mobility work. For some it could be as easy as a 5 to 10 min dynamic session and for some they may need 20-min's and some combination of SMR, Static-Stretching, and Active Stretching; it just depends on the individual.

punkrockgoth

I always warm up before my work outs, sometimes stretch between my warmup and workout. I always stretch after. It feels good. On strength training days, I stretch thoroughly and use a foam roller.

Mariachicat

Yes after but not before a circuit training or a spin workout. Occasionally I'll do 20 minutes of a post-runners yoga sequence. If time and mood allows, I'll do a 30-40 minute yoga sequence, but to be honest not that often lately due to time.

VryIrishGirl76

I stretch after.

ashdawg8790

I always stretch after a workout or I end up stiff as a board the next day (or even the next hour). I also try to do at least 10-15 minutes of good, deep stretching before bed every night. I've found I sleep a lot better and wake up feeling less like I'm made of concrete if I take those few minutes (some days is more like 20-30 minutes!). I usually just do a light cardio warm-up (5 or so minutes) before my workouts to get everything warmed up and loosened.

That's all just me, though.

jaga13

I stretch after. And sometimes completely separate from the workout when I'm a little sore.

jacklfc88

sofaking6 wrote: »

I only stretch after - a couple of limber-up type moves before but otherwise I don't feel there's much point in trying to stretch cold muscles. I have a 15 minute little routine I do after every workout.

There is a point. Why do you think you see professional athletes go through vigorous warm ups and stretching routines prior to the activity? Not saying you need to do what they do as we aren't working to their capacity but the principle is the same. Working out with cold muscles is a bad idea, much more likely to pick up injuries that way.

Mariachicat wrote: »

Yes after but not before a circuit training or a spin workout. Occasionally I'll do 20 minutes of a post-runners yoga sequence. If time and mood allows, I'll do a 30-40 minute yoga sequence, but to be honest not that often lately due to time.

Surprised your instructor doesn't go through a warm up an stretches first...

yusaku02

usually a 1 mile warmup run, 5-10 minutes of stretching then I lift.

BarbWhite09

Although I know I am supposed to, I never stretch or do a warm-up or cool-down.

beemerphile1

I don't stretch.

Warm up is important.

Studies have shown that stretching prior to exercise does nothing and is only minimally beneficial after exercise.

sofaking6

jacklfc88 wrote: »

sofaking6 wrote: »

I only stretch after - a couple of limber-up type moves before but otherwise I don't feel there's much point in trying to stretch cold muscles. I have a 15 minute little routine I do after every workout.

There is a point. Why do you think you see professional athletes go through vigorous warm ups and stretching routines prior to the activity? Not saying you need to do what they do as we aren't working to their capacity but the principle is the same. Working out with cold muscles is a bad idea, much more likely to pick up injuries that way.

Warm-up, absolutely. I have to raise my heart rate gradually or I peter out really quickly. But stretching - sure if I were a professional athlete and had 30 minutes to warm up, I would stretch then. But since I don't, I stretch afterwards when I am very warm because I am really working on my flexibility.

jacklfc88

sofaking6 wrote: »

jacklfc88 wrote: »

sofaking6 wrote: »

I only stretch after - a couple of limber-up type moves before but otherwise I don't feel there's much point in trying to stretch cold muscles. I have a 15 minute little routine I do after every workout.

There is a point. Why do you think you see professional athletes go through vigorous warm ups and stretching routines prior to the activity? Not saying you need to do what they do as we aren't working to their capacity but the principle is the same. Working out with cold muscles is a bad idea, much more likely to pick up injuries that way.

Warm-up, absolutely. I have to raise my heart rate gradually or I peter out really quickly. But stretching - sure if I were a professional athlete and had 30 minutes to warm up, I would stretch then. But since I don't, I stretch afterwards when I am very warm because I am really working on my flexibility.

You don't need to do it for 30 minutes. If you're doing a warm up then you should stretch after the warm up. I have had shin splints in the past, because my calves were so tight, long story but point is if I didn't stretch my calves out before I did any sort of CV activity I would be in trouble. If I am playing footy, I do a few laps of pitch get warm and then stretch muscles vigorously. I remember at school years ago not stretching after I'd done my warm up and I still felt a bit tight but ignored it. Got to kick off, passed the ball and felt my groin twang. Out for months. Since then I ensure I do a thorough stretching routine.

jacklfc88

beemerphile1 wrote: »

I don't stretch.

Warm up is important.

Studies have shown that stretching prior to exercise does nothing and is only minimally beneficial after exercise.

My body tells me otherwise. Everyone needs to decide for themselves but personally I would never do CV exercise or train without stretching.

JoRocka

Unquestionably.

I warm up with 5 min on the jump rope. My most "complete" stretching is to prep for squats- bench I am pretty lax about- I just rep the bar stretch and call it a day.

DL I do something in the middle. But I do yoga stuff in Dance class several times a week- which makes a huge difference in my mobility. It's very important to make sure you do mobility and release tension in some form or another.

Capt_Apollo

I'm bad about stretching afterwards. I've gotten better about warming up and cooling down though.

Been going to yoga once a week for the last month or so that's been helping.

vixtris

I do a few stretches before lifting, usually takes me between 5-10 mins. Most of them are floor stretches for legs, glutes, and abs.

Willbenchforcupcakes

I do a lot of mobility and stabilization work. But in terms of actual static stretching? Other then stretching out my arch a couple times a month, no. With my hypermobilty issues, static stretching is one of the worst things I can do - it destabilizes my joints and puts me at a higher risk of injury.

I do a lot of rolling, both with a roller and a lacrosse ball. Takes care of the tight spots perfectly.

LKArgh

Warm up and basic dynamic stretching before running and before strength training. Always a good stretch routine after the workout.

Soundwave79

I stretch before and after all my workouts. Sometimes if I am pressed for time I skip the after and then stretch before bed. I also will do a good 30+ mins of stretching on my off/rest days. I've read alot of the studies that show stretching is unnecessary but my body tells me otherwise.

Soundwave79

I stretch before and after all my workouts. Sometimes if I am pressed for time I skip the after and then stretch before bed. I also will do a good 30+ mins of stretching on my off/rest days. I've read alot of the studies that show stretching is unnecessary but my body tells me otherwise.