One of the most valuable actions you can take post and pre-workout is simple to do but often overlooked. Stretching before you push your body to the limit can both help you reach new plateaus and prevent you from occurring injury in the process.
Stretch your limits with pre and post workout lengthening exercises. Each time you stretch, you are giving your muscles the opportunity to lengthen to their full potential. This simple movement provides great benefits. When muscles are long, they are less likely to feel tight, naturally resulting in the ability to make a larger range of motion without consequence. Muscles can also build strength more easily when long, versus short because they are able to work at their full capacity.
Have you ever sat in one position for too long, perhaps in front of the computer at work with your head hunched forward. When you went to stand up, the small of your back felt tight and painful. This is the result of muscles shortening from not being used for a period of time. Once muscles are shortened, they are weakened, resulting in a greater likelihood of injury. Pre and post workout stretching helps battle this common occurrence, reducing your chance of injury from exercise and other physical activities throughout the day.
In an article published by Harvard Health, PT, David Nolan, of Massachusetts General Hospital, emphasizes the importance of stretching for everyday health. “A lot of people don’t understand that stretching has to happen on a regular basis. It should be daily.” For optimal effectiveness, stretch before and after each workout. Hold each stretch for about 30 seconds. Once you begin stretching, remember flexibility takes time, particularly when muscles have been shortened for a long period of time.
At Core Results, our personal trainers understand the importance of pre and post workout stretches and will incorporate a variety of lengthening techniques into your exercise plan to build and improve upon your level of flexibility. Contact us for your first FREE consult today!
