Stretching Before a Workout

docktorfokse

I realize that general muscle stretching should be done after a workout rather than before, but does this principle still hold for mobility work? I'm asking because I'm hit with the double whammy of tight hip flexors and short Achilles tendons, so I feel like it would be reasonable to work on those before starting my lifts.

3laine75

don't know about others but i stretch before and after - can't hurt.

UponThisRock

Dynamic stretching can and should be done

http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/muscle-gain/warming-up-for-the-weight-room-part-1.html
http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/muscle-gain/warming-up-for-the-weight-room-part-2.html

taso42

Mobility work pre-workout FTW

MinnesotaManimal

Dynamic stretching can and should be done

http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/muscle-gain/warming-up-for-the-weight-room-part-1.html
http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/muscle-gain/warming-up-for-the-weight-room-part-2.html

bump for links

taso42

Here's another good link. Joe Defranco's Agile 8. (scroll way down)
http://www.defrancostraining.com/ask_joe/archives/ask_joe_08-10-03.html

ZugTheMegasaurus

I have also heard that dynamic/ballistic stretches should be done before a workout, but save the static stretches for afterward. I'll defer to anyone with more expertise though.

RunHardBeStrong

Dynamic stretching can and should be done

http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/muscle-gain/warming-up-for-the-weight-room-part-1.html
http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/muscle-gain/warming-up-for-the-weight-room-part-2.html

This! Save the static stretches for afterwards while the muscles are still warm.