Stretching

mostaverage
mostaverage Posts: 202 Member
edited November 12 in Fitness and Exercise
I know I'm supposed to be stretching before and after a workout but I'm not sure how long I should spend on each muscle...advice?

Replies

  • lukeout007
    lukeout007 Posts: 1,237 Member
    I'd like to know this as well. Also...why stretch after a workout? I never have...I don't really understand why its necessary.
  • wildestian
    wildestian Posts: 188 Member
    I'd like to know this as well. Also...why stretch after a workout? I never have...I don't really understand why its necessary.

    I strech before and after a workout, if I don't, I get painful cramps in my legs while sleeping :S
  • Plumbvz
    Plumbvz Posts: 6
    Stretch the muscles you are primarily going to work out. 10-15 sec each is what I understand. You do not want to strain a tight and cold muscle during a workout. It hurts and could do some damage. As to stretching afterwards. I understand that you have pulled muscles and stretched them during workouts. It helps from cramping and also gives you a deeper range in flexability, plus the more flexable the less chance to get hurt. I have never felt better since I do stretches daily.
  • zafferFL
    zafferFL Posts: 402
    and just to complicate things..why you shouldn't (and don't need to) stretch

    http://stronglifts.com/5-reasons-why-you-shouldnt-do-static-stretches/
  • elcieloesazul
    elcieloesazul Posts: 448 Member
    I'd stretch for 20-30 seconds each side.
  • lschuttem
    lschuttem Posts: 82 Member
    i would suggest experimenting...one week try stretching before, the next week stretch after, then maybe not at all.
    From what I've read, and what works for me, i just make sure i have a good warm up before a workout (like a good 5 minute walk before i jog/run) and I stretch after my workouts.
    I dont stretch before because it never seemed to help me in any way, and I read that it can cause damage if you stretch a cold muscle. Stretching after really helps minimize any post-workout pain. If i dont stretch after, it feels as if my muscles seize up or something.
  • OtakuEngineer
    OtakuEngineer Posts: 31
    and just to complicate things..why you shouldn't (and don't need to) stretch

    http://stronglifts.com/5-reasons-why-you-shouldnt-do-static-stretches/

    I used to do a lot of static stretching, but I recently heard something similar to that link and started doing more dynamic stretches... truth to be told I feel looser, more warmed up and ready for my workout through dynamic stretching.
  • aippolito1
    aippolito1 Posts: 4,894 Member
    You should not stretch before you work out. You could injure yourself. You should warm up (try searching jillian michaels warm up for strength - and go slow on any cardio you're doing, before you start). Stretch afterwards so you don't become sore.

    I've noticed a BIG difference in having a warm up and cool down than not.
  • nessafly
    nessafly Posts: 58
    I like to warm up first (fast march/walk) for 5 mins, then an allover stretch (side,legs,shoulders,neck) for 10-15 mins after. Alway feel great, no soreness. :happy:
  • mostaverage
    mostaverage Posts: 202 Member
    Thanks for the input, i always warm up before I get started but I'm pretty lax at the cool down part - will need to make sure I build that in.
  • meshashesha2012
    meshashesha2012 Posts: 8,329 Member
    i do dynamic stretching (which isnt really stretching but more like warming up the muscles) before a workout and static stretching afterwards
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