stretching

pumalama

I have learned something interesting about stretching. I am doing PT exercises for my shoulder and have a series of exercises and stretches to do a few times a day. I was slacking a little bit on some of the boring stretches and my PT said that if I don't stretch enough there will not be enough space for the muscles to grow into. I had heard both recommendations (stretch before and after) from different trainers but nobody ever said anything more than the "it's good for you, it's bad for you" advices. What my PT said made a lot of sense to me.

I tried 2 things on different days: stretching before versus after my workout. The stretch before the workout made some of the exercises way easier and I did not feel like my shoulder was going to pop out (it never does, and never will with these exercises). I did not notice anything special in the following sessions if I stretch after my workout. My good shoulder did not care either way.

Stretching makes the movement easier and gives a better chance for my muscle to grow properly and into its designated area. I now do my stretches before my workout and have already noticed some improvement. I may be able to lift 2 pounds soon with that very hard exercise!