Do you stretch?

On my weightlifting days, I generally walk for about 10 minutes and then stretch for another 10 minutes before I start lifting. I do not usually do it afterward or as a workout on its own. I should stretch after running but, lately, I have not. That's more due to time issues than anything else.

Absolutely 100% every time I train. Stretching is so important. My warm up is usually a 5 minute run on treadmill, then full body stretching for another 6-7 minutes.

Clarewho wrote: »

I've always stretched after but I think I'm in the minority. Ppl in my gym seem not to bother. I never stretch cold muscles before and the only time I would stretch during is for instance a muscle that was a bit tight before I start the exercise - then I'll warm it up and have a stretch near start.

I have a feeling current advice is only stretch afterwards? Someone more knowledgeable will no doubt correct me

before and after is best. sometimes i finish on a light exercise with a high range of movement and do nice controlled reps to stretch out muscle

I only stretch in the winter cold months before training Neva in summer or warm days Neva had any problems.

I stretch a few minutes before runs but nothing after.

As for cool downs.....Based on how much time I have and what I was working on for the run, I will sometimes run a slower last mile or two.

Clarewho wrote: »

I have a feeling current advice is only stretch afterwards? Someone more knowledgeable will no doubt correct me

Actually that's not going to be true, people should do some mobility work before the train. Now, the actual stretching prescription is going to be individualized because most people will have different needs. Stretching is important because if your muscles are not working correctly then you will not perform the exercises correctly and you risk injury or at the very least have a less effective workout.

Pre-workout, definitely do some kind of warm-up & mobility work. For some it could be as easy as a 5 to 10 min dynamic session and for some they may need 20-min's and some combination of SMR, Static-Stretching, and Active Stretching; it just depends on the individual.

Yes after but not before a circuit training or a spin workout. Occasionally I'll do 20 minutes of a post-runners yoga sequence. If time and mood allows, I'll do a 30-40 minute yoga sequence, but to be honest not that often lately due to time.

I always stretch after a workout or I end up stiff as a board the next day (or even the next hour). I also try to do at least 10-15 minutes of good, deep stretching before bed every night. I've found I sleep a lot better and wake up feeling less like I'm made of concrete if I take those few minutes (some days is more like 20-30 minutes!). I usually just do a light cardio warm-up (5 or so minutes) before my workouts to get everything warmed up and loosened.

That's all just me, though.

sofaking6 wrote: »

I only stretch after - a couple of limber-up type moves before but otherwise I don't feel there's much point in trying to stretch cold muscles. I have a 15 minute little routine I do after every workout.

There is a point. Why do you think you see professional athletes go through vigorous warm ups and stretching routines prior to the activity? Not saying you need to do what they do as we aren't working to their capacity but the principle is the same. Working out with cold muscles is a bad idea, much more likely to pick up injuries that way.

Mariachicat wrote: »

Yes after but not before a circuit training or a spin workout. Occasionally I'll do 20 minutes of a post-runners yoga sequence. If time and mood allows, I'll do a 30-40 minute yoga sequence, but to be honest not that often lately due to time.

Surprised your instructor doesn't go through a warm up an stretches first...

Although I know I am supposed to, I never stretch or do a warm-up or cool-down.