Stretching before SL

prietys

Hi Everyone,
Newbie and tried SL today for the first time. My question: do we need to do some stretching before and after the lifting?

Thanks for the group and the information.

sheleen302

Hi,
Re stretching prior to lifting, usually not recommended, absolutely after. I've been doing SL for 3 months, and not stretching enough afterwards, and not warming up properly, either. Now starting to see the negative results of those decisions, muscles are fine, tendons and ligaments, not so much. I've learned my lesson, and will be changing what I do.

oddyogi

Usually it's a good idea to do some dynamic warming up before starting (jumping jacks, butt kicks, high knees, etc), and once you get into heavier weights do warmup sets. Afterwards you need to stretch really good, at least 30 seconds per stretch.

Qarol

Sometimes, I've been lazy and skipped the cardio warm up. Boy, do I regret it. I don't do that anymore. Everything feels so much better if I hit 20 mins on the elliptical before lifting. Sure, I'm tired, but not too tired to lift. Doing it cold just ain't cutting it anymore, not at the amounts I'm lifting. And by cold, I mean a light stretching and warm up sets (hip flexor stretches, goblet squats plus warm up squats with lower weight).

I don't know if it's age or just me, but I need a bit more time nowadays of getting the blood pumping and flowing before I do anything strenuous. I'm a figure skater, and it applies there. I have to warm up really well before I can attempt any kind of jump or complicated footwork. Same goes for lifting now. (and I'm not old! I'm only 35. But I just can't hit it like I could when I was younger, not without properly warming up.)

jenluvsushi

I definitely have to warm up my shoulders before squatting (dislocations, etc.) but that's about it. As I go, I warm up. After I do my lifting and my cardio (light cardio only on lifting days) then I stretch. It's not really good to stretch cold muscles....bigger risk of injury.

prietys

thanks ladies.
Appreciate it.