Which first post-exercise: stretch or foam roll?

scarletrayne19

Hey guys! Simple question here: after I get done with my workout should I stretch then foam roll or opposite?

If I can stretch first, is it okay to be able to then drive home from the gym and foam roll there or should I be bringing my roller to the gym? (There is only one at my gym and I feel like someone is always using it so I'd have to bring my own.)

Apologies if these seem like silly questions, but I'm genuinely perplexed. Thanks!

Cherimoose

Technically there's no need to stretch or roll right after exercising, unless you have a specific need to. If you choose to do them, i prefer to roll first, so the stretching flushes away any stuff released from the rolling. But i think for most people, there's not going to be a huge difference either way you do them, as long as they get done at some point.

drachfit

doesnt matter, it's ok to drive home and do it there too (but for me, if I wait til I get home I won't do it! in the gym = workout mode, at home = food mode)

whmscll

I usually stretch first. If I do it at home I normally take a hot shower to warm the muscles back up a bit before stretching.

KiyaK

Cherimoose wrote: »

Technically there's no need to stretch or roll right after exercising.

True, no need, but if you're interested in increasing flexibility, you must stretch when your muscles are warm. Might as well do it right after a workout when you're hot as **** anyway.
As far as order goes, I don't think it matters much. I personally would roll first, because stretching is relaxing & gives me that blisswd-out post workout buzz. Don't think I could bring myself to roll after that.

Willbenchforcupcakes

I pretty much don't stretch. Just hip flexors and hamstrings (the tight axis of my lower crossed syndrome). And that happens intra workout in my correctives. Foam rolling happens a lot. Pre workout to get any kinks. Post workout when I've got the time. And at home when something feels like it needs it.

Chieflrg

I foam roll/lacrosse ball pre workout.

Post, I stretch to increase mobilty.

I will also foam roll my hammys during baseball season because I play catcher for baseball and those are always a problem for me.