Should you stretch before, or after your work out?

Question

Asked this yesturday, but the 'intermission' mucked up my question. So lets try this again:

Having an argument w/ my bf, he says you stretch before you work out. I say you do a 5 min warm up (not stretching) before you work out, and stretch inbetween sets, or after.

Answer 1

It is imperative that you stretch and warm-up before you start any work-out. In order for your muscles to properly receive the full benefits of the work-out, they must be stretched and warmed-up. If you do not stretch, you run the risk of injury by pulling or straining the muscles. You should also stretch at the end of your work-out a part of your cool-down routine. This helps keep the blood flowing freely through the muscle tissue and increases oxygen to the muscles as well.

Answer 2

It all depends on the type of workout you're doing. If it's low-impact, you can probably just do a warm-up beforehand. High-impact workouts, it's probably better to stretch the muscles and joints that will be used.

Always stretch and warm-down after a workout. There's nothing worse than the joints stiffening up too quickly.

Gym instructors will probably tell you that as much stretching as possible is best, but I'm sure not everyone has time to do 30 minutes of stretching during a 1 hour workout!!

Hope this helps! :)

Answer 3

The scientists have been appropriate. by no ability stretch muscle groups whilst they're chilly. Do approximately 5 minutes or so of cardio first then you extremely can do static stretching (conserving a stretch for 10-15 seconds). you additionally can stretch in the process your workout consultation to sidestep muscle cramping. Then ultimately, stretching whilst your carried out. Flexabilty is a key factor in well being that a good style of human beings forget approximately.

Answer 4

Both. Hold stretches before working out for fifteen seconds to warm up, and hold for thirty seconds after working out to cool down. You should feel a very slight discomfort that lets you know you're stretching far enough. Make sure you take five to seven minutes for stretching before and after your workout, and always ensure that you're stretching the muscles you intend to work out.

Answer 5

You should stretch before and after. First you stretch and then do your warm-up, both different things. Then after your work out, you should do a cool down (walking fast) and then stretch again.

Answer 6

Before & After

Answer 7

I agree with you, you should warm the muscles up before exercise and stretching.... once you have finished the workout then stretch the muscles. This way the muscle will be warmed up and more flexible and benefit from stretching more that if it were cold!

Answer 8

I work out at Curves (I am older so it is more my speed), and we stretch out and warm up before AND cool down then stretches after. Also my daughter is a personal trainer and marathon runner - and she always does both stretches and a warm up / cool down before AND after. It is the wisest thing to do unless you want problems down the road (or sooner).

(So you are both partially right and partially wrong. It is a tie, shake hands and make up).

Answer 9

you should stretch both before and after a workout. First to warm up the muscles and than after to cool them down slowly.

Answer 10

Both is the correct answer but I read in "SELF" magazine that when you stretch before your workout that your muscles did not work as hard or the workout was less effective that when they didn't stretch before, (some study they did).