Given the different views on stretching before/during/after exercise, I was wondering what others views are. I thought a survey would be interesting.
I have tried all 3 and I’ve found that I don’t particularly care for stretching before exercise. During exercise is most efficient use of time, however it can be difficult if there is a lot of weight-changing involved between sets if you are strictly following a rest period of :60 or less. I seem to get the best stretches after a workout, however if I am running late, guess what seems to get left out? You got it, stretching.
I switch it up depending on my mood and what I’m doing, but I definitely like stretching afterward. It supposedly removes some of the lactic acid build up in your blood which is one of the reasons you feel sore after a workout.
Stretching before a workout can shut down the nervous system and lead to decreased force production and injury. after a workout can relengthen the muscle fibers back to their original state. stretching 4-6 hours after a workout for extra flexibility is good as well.
Light stretching before, I wouldn’t even label it as ‘stretching’, just something to loosen up maybe 2-4 second hold. I’ve always stretched during workouts, even if I go heavy, still stretch pretty much everything. Besides the proven benfits I’ve recieved from it, it also gives you something to do between sets. I have always stretched post-workout. It does in fact break up lactic acid and help with muscle soreness, I also do some arm circles back /foreward / across, with a 5lb plate after workouts. Some would probably disagree with my style, but its hard to deny the incredible gains and flexibility, as well as no injuries, I’ve maintained. It all boils down to understanding you body and knowing what you can and can’t do.