before I exercise? I honestly do not understand this. Because once I start to exercise those muscles are going to 'loosen up' anyway right? So why do I have to do stretching exercises before? I am going to go out for my walk in a few min as soon as my hair dries.
2006-10-27 02:01:18 · 10 answers · asked by helpme1 5 in Health ➔ Diet & Fitness
You have to strecth those muscles so that when you start working out the dont rip. You gradually strecth them while stretching instead of just yanking them like you would do if you just hopped into some intense work out. It is also imortant to strecth after you work out.
2006-10-27 02:05:30 · answer #1 · answered by Jennifer M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes I too feel the same way. For years I have been running and whenever alone I don't stretch. Why waist time? By body works itself loose anyways.
The thing is to stretch your muscles before you do any major exercise. Like if you were walking the boston marathon, or if you had just come off a recent injury, then you want to stretch before doing anything.
Stretching your muscles help them breathe easier I guess, in a way waking them up so that when you go exercise, they're all ready to go. The problem with stretching is a lot of people don't know how long or how short to stretch.
Some people think that the longer you stretch, the more flexible your muscles will be. But it is actually not a good idea.
While stretching you should do it in short intervals. While its good for your body, your muscles while in a stretch is revealed from its protective layer, which is doesn't like. So if you do it for too long the muscle will want to snap back into its protective hiding place. So be gentle while stretching, and short intervals. If you feel like stretching.
2006-10-27 09:13:36 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The reason you stretch is to create what's called a optimal length tension relationship. What this means, is when you contract a muscle, the little fibers cross over one another then return to where the were. If your tight, the fibers don't cross over correctly which will limit your overall strength. Also, if your tight, it can cause faulty movement patterns(other muscles make the motion happen besides the prime muscle which are suppose to) which can lead to injury.
I don't condone static stretching (holding the stretch for a length of time)prior to exercise. Active or dynamic stretching is good prior to weights because the stretch is a form of warm up. An example would be performing body squats prior to using weights for a similar exercise.
Hope this helps,
Jake Nelson, BS, MS, NASM-CPT
http://www.thesportsclubla.com
2006-10-27 09:22:18 · answer #3 · answered by Jake N. BS,CPT, PES, CES 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO, you don't want to stretch prior to working out. You can do a lot of damage if you stretch a cold muscle. You can either warm the muscles up first or just wait until you are done to stretch. It is very important to stretch though. If you are building muscle and don't keep it stretched, you will get that zombie look and risk injury. Muscles that are '' elastic '' are more effective.
2006-10-27 09:12:15 · answer #4 · answered by randband4 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Um... actually everything I know about working out says that you should never stretch before your workout. Your muscles are "cold" and trying to stretch them could be really bad for you. You should walk for about 10-15 minutes and then take a little time to stretch out your muscles before continuing your walk. Always stretch at the end of your workout, it helps with your flexibility and the overall effect of your workout can be improved with a good stretch.
Enjoy your walk. :)
2006-10-27 09:11:16 · answer #5 · answered by SmileyGirl 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you're just walking, stretching is not all that important, unless you're up in age. But sudden movements such as running without stretching can easily cause you to pull a muscle (hamstring, quad, groin, calf).
2006-10-27 09:10:24 · answer #6 · answered by DJ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you need to stretch to avoid muscle injury... loosen up those muscles before you exercise and again when you return for your cool down. btw, your muscles tighten when exercising and can collect "toxins" that will eventually lead to aches and soreness.
2006-10-27 09:04:51 · answer #7 · answered by tampico 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you need to stretch because it will loosen up your muscles so you dont pull muscles while exercising
2006-10-27 09:25:22 · answer #8 · answered by Jackie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
so you don't pull a muscle..duh!
2006-10-27 09:04:14 · answer #9 · answered by .......... 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
to warm up Ur muscle.........its very important...........
2006-10-27 09:04:58 · answer #10 · answered by Raji 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋