To Stretch or Not to Stretch?

October 08, 2010, By 1 comment

To Stretch or Not to Stretch?

You’ve heard it time after time: stretch before you work out. Whether the reasoning was to make sure your muscles are warmed up or just to become more flexible, someone has spoken these words to you. But should you really stretch beforehand? Truth is, there are pros and cons to stretching before, during and after working out.

Before the Workout

Pro: Stretching before you work out can help prepare your muscles for the specific exercises you’ll be doing. It will also help you become more flexible and enable you to do new, more complex exercises.

In addition, a bit of cardio before your workout will increase your heart rate and help prepare your body even more. Get your heart going and then stretching will mean you aren’t stretching your muscles cold.

Con: According to an Associated Press article that ran April 15, 2010, stretching before a workout can cause your muscles to tighten rather than relax, which can potentially be harmful. This can lead to more pulled muscles.

During the Workout

Pro: Stretching between specific exercises can help keep all of your muscles active and prepare them for upcoming exercises. Unlike stretching before the workout, during the workout you can tailor bits of stretching to which exercises you’ll be performing immediately after. It keeps your blood flowing and your body prepared and offers a nice break between intensive exercises.

Con: Taking breaks between various sets of exercises can throw off your balance and focus. It can also slow you down and make it more difficult for you to want to continue with more intense exercises.

After the Workout

Pro: According to Shape Fit, stretching after a workout can reduce the risk of injury as well as the chance of soreness the next day. In addition, you’ll benefit from increased flexibility and have time to cool down and catch your breath.

Con: Medicine Net says although stretching can feel good after a strenuous workout, there is no evidence that it actually prevents you from an injury.

In the end, it’s up to you in deciding when you want to stretch. When in doubt, ask a trainer at the local gym where you work out or even your doctor to find out what’s best for you. 

 

Catherine Couretas is an intern at Barefoot Proximity and a regular contributor to ManoftheHouse.com.

Comments (1):

Matt A. In other words do what you want because no one really know what is best...good info but confuses the issue. What makes the most sense to me is to do a 5 minute warm-up, then stretch then do your actual work-out and stretch again. Although it may not prevent you from injury it does not mean it is not good for your muscles after a work-out. Elongating your muscles after a work-out will help increase flexibility...there's no question about that. For those of you who are serious about increasing flexibility, look up Bob Cooley's "The Genius of Flexibility". It's tough to begin & stay on track but for those of you that are self-motivated (like anything in life), you will see a benefit if you stick to the routine. - 11/01/2010

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