Why should I stretch after a workout instead of before?
Asked by kysserminfrites on May 19, 2009
in Fitness
I just read another question about stretching and you mentioned something about how you should stretch after a cardio workout instead of before. I always stretched before mine. I was just wondering why and is it bad for me to stretch before instead of after?
Answer
In the recent past, the thinking was that stretching prior to exercise was associated with enhanced flexibility, improved performance and reduced risk of injury. But research now suggests that stretching before a workout does not make a difference in injury rates and may even be detrimental. Stretching before a workout may compromise a muscle’s ability to produce maximal force. Before stretching, muscle temperature should be elevated and the blood should be flowing. Do stretching exercises a minimum of 2 - 3 days per week and preferably 5 - 7 days per week.
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