The importance of stretching before a workout cannot be overlooked. Stretching is basically preparing your body for a workout, and will help prevent injury.
Why is stretching important?
Stretching can help prevent muscle strain, and thus avoid injury. Stretching is also important for loosening your body up before putting it to work. Pre-workout stretches promote circulation and can reduce old injury pain as well.
Don’t forget that regular stretches are good for your posture too!
Keep your stretching routine regular and planned
Not all stretching is good. Haphazard stretching or incorrect stretching can actually hinder not help, so it’s important to learn good stretching techniques. Ask your trainer or gym staff for tips.
You want to work and develop your muscle groups during stretching time, so keep to a pattern of stretches that work each group. Develop the length and stretch of each exercise as you go, and don’t push yourself too fast.
Stretch post-workout too!
Cooling down and stretching post workout is important too. Don’t forget to stretch and shake out those muscles to stop seizing. This is a good time to have a protein shake too – while your body is still needing that muscle fuel!
