Did you know? According to ACSM guidelines, you should stretch 2-7 days per week! As far as which is more beneficial: stretching before or after a workout is still a toss up, but there’s no doubt that stretching does the body well.
You should try to stretch all of your large muscle groups before your small muscle groups. Stretch to the point before you feel any pain and hold the stretch for 10-15 seconds with consistent breathing patterns.
According to the MayoClinic, stretching may improve performance and decrease the risk of injury. It also may reduce muscle soreness after exercise, allowing you to repeat your workout in a shorter amount of time without pain or discomfort.
Many people choose to skip stretching because it’s boring, painful, or they simply don’t have enough time to stretch at the gym. However, stretching can be done throughout the day- at home, at work, or at play if needed. You may look silly counting reps aloud in front of your co-workers, but at least your muscles will thank you!
Here’s more information on stretching and ‘Guide to 10 Basic Stretches’ by the Mayo Clinic.
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