do you stretch?

streetnamejim

I do not... 206 workouts over the past year and not 1 time have I stretched. I do some cardio warm up before any strength training, but no stretching. No injuries or problems so far.

What about you?

I know people stretch, but I wonder why?

Because thats what "they" say you should do?

GSCPostBaby

I stretch . . . . but after my strength training. I personally believe that pulling on cold muscles and tendons is stupid. Easy cardio is better for warm up and I love stretching for cool down. It keeps me flexible as I build new muscle.

Ttopeka

It feels good.

alikat42

I stretch before (gently!) and after running and after weight lifting. I do not stretch on cardio cross training days. I've settled into this routine through trial and error. It works for me.

UrbanRunner81

I always stretch after I workout. Never before. I need to. I get hip pain or just feel stiff if I don't.

NaeNaeJanae

I only started stretching after I finally injured myself enough to need it. Now I can't workout without stretching after. Once you realize how flexible and fluid stretching will get you, it's hard not to want that. I wouldn't recommend stretching cold though...not good!

thistimeismytime

I stretch because I want to be more flexible. It's also very relaxing to me.

Fat_2_Fit_Mommy

After my workouts. I love stretching it makes me feel good.

CaffeinatedConfectionist

I stretch after a workout. I like the way it feels, and I definitely enjoy some of the perks of flexibility

xxxhelenaxxx

I do mild stretches before, but nothing major just loosening up. I do more stretching after b/c if I don't I feel all stiff and junk

slrrese

I stretch because I want to be more flexible. It's also very relaxing to me.

This!

TheFunBun

I never stretch before because .. stretching cold muscles seems very silly. I do stretch after because being flexible is important to me.. you feel so much better when you're limber. Especially as you get older, you'll probably wish you worked on your flexibility a bit more. My mother is incredibly stiff from age and arthritis, and she's always insanely jealous of my long deep stretching sessions.

Range of motion is just very valuable.

quiltbugj

I do something called MELT - it's done with a foam roller. There are a few videos on youtube and the website is meltmethod.com.

HelloDan

How do you define stretch?

I do lots of mobility work, which could kind of be considered stretching. I do it to have optimal range of motion for the activities I compete in.


I also warm up before I lift or do an activity, but this does not really involve traditional stretching.

ironmanwannabe

i heard that stretching before running (exercising) does nothing beneficial for your body. the time to stretch is after a workout or run. anyone else hear this?

myak623

No, I don't. I run for 5 minutes before I lift. That is sufficient for warming up.

dusty8907

Stretching cold muscles can cause injuries, i do 2 sets of light warmups on everything and then a light stretch after the warmup or first working set. I never stretch til i feel pain in the muscle though.

myfitnessnmhoy

I stretch whenever my muscles have been fully warmed up. Otherwise my muscles ache more (stretching seems to help work out some of the lactic acid for me). Also, because having the flexibility in my muscles and joints means that, if I fall or have a mishap, it's less likely I'll pull a muscle or something.

It's not an absolute necessity for me, but it makes my muscles feel better.

AZKristi

Strength and Flexibility are equally important... If you build to much strength without working on flexibility, you could eventually reduce the range of motion, especially in your shoulder joint.

I do Yoga 2-4 days a week. Other days, I just stretch for a few minutes after whatever workout I do.

LilRedRooster

I stretch after my cardio workouts, though not usually before. For warm ups, I just prefer to jog, since it brings blood into the muscles and loosens them better than static stretching cold ones.

I do love to stretch, though, in general. I was in martial arts, dance, and gymnastics, so when I'm not limber, I just don't feel loose and relaxed in general.

TourThePast

I do gentle stretches beforehand after my warmup routine, but really concentrate on stretching after a good workout.

It has helped my flexibility a LOT, I used to have a loofah on a stick to scrub my back, I threw it away about six months ago when I realised it wasn't needed any more. Plus I can scratch between my shoulder blades now. :bigsmile:

myfitnessnmhoy

i heard that stretching before running (exercising) does nothing beneficial for your body. the time to stretch is after a workout or run. anyone else hear this?

I've rarely stretched before a workout, especially not with cold muscles. I have done it before 5K training (run a tenth or two to warm up, get a nice stretch, then start jogging full-out) and it does seem to help get the circulation going - my legs feel more energetic.

ahealthy4u

I strech and warm up. Ha but there is times when I have forgot to strech out. Then I kick my self later.

Ribena145

i heard that stretching before running (exercising) does nothing beneficial for your body. the time to stretch is after a workout or run. anyone else hear this?

Most defintely. You could tear muscles by stretching them cold. By warming up (in whatever way suits your fancy), performing your exercise routine and mild stretching afterwards, you elongate the muscles which tones and defines them and gives you better shape as well as flexibility. Ever seen a person who does yoga that isn't shaped?

amy1612

I stretch for increased flexibility. Usually after cardio so Im warm,sometimes as a nice long session in itself. I also do little bits of flexibility work everyday,just to keep it up. Tight muscles are more prone to injury. Ive spoken to some guys lifting weights who couldbt touch their toes,being stiff doesnt make for great form,I can overextend in straightleg deadlifts, flexibility is a definite bonus!

aippolito1

YEP! I definitely noticed a big difference in soreness and flexibility since starting to stretch AFTER I work out. The only time I stretch is before I run, and really it's just me popping my back and making sure my shoulders are popped and good to go, haha.

adamb83

I stretch . . . . but after my strength training. I personally believe that pulling on cold muscles and tendons is stupid. Easy cardio is better for warm up and I love stretching for cool down. It keeps me flexible as I build new muscle.

^^^ This, exactly. I'm 100% in agreement.

ChitownFoodie

I only stretch if a video tells me to, but if I am doing it on my own...NOPE!

dukes418

I stretch both before and after workouts. Before workouts to warm up the muscles, tendons and joints. Afterwards as part of my cool down. I also do Yoga which helps with flexibility and basic core strength. It is vital to preventing injuries. You're lucky you haven't suffered any injuries (yet) but you know what they say about Murphy's law. If you're running before your intense workouts then you're getting your muscles warm but I would strongly recommend stretching the muscles you train beforehand. If not for anything else it will help to prevent breakdown later down the road.

Becky1971

I stretch, a lot. I find the benefits almost greater than my workout itself. With all the injuries I have had, I have been able to overcome them by stretching when I couldn't before. For three years I tried running, and continuously had problems and couldn't do it, especially shin splints. I researched stretching further and found the perfect set of stretches and now I'm able to run. Stretching is like magic for me.

skingszoo

Nope Nope Nope hardly ever! Maybe after weight lifting but thats it.