Should I Stretch Before or After Exercise?

Should I Stretch Before or After Exercise?

Expert advice on stretching before or after exercise

Sean Lee, NASM ACE – CPT, NSCA – CSCS
Fitness Expert, Barrington, IL

Question:

Should I stretch before or after exercise?

Answer:

Your muscles will be more receptive to stretching at the end of the workout session. Prior to exercise it is best to actively warm-up, gradually increasing core body temperature and blood flow to the muscles, joints and soft tissues. An active warm-up will best prepare your body for the activity ahead. Cooling-down & static stretching after exercise will begin the recovery process and assist in the practice of resetting muscles back to their normal resting length.