Anyone who regularly exercises or plays a sport knows that stretching is crucially important.
But when is the right time to do it?
Should you stretch before or after training?
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The benefits of stretching
Why should we stretch at all?
Regular stretching improves mobility and serves as injury prevention because it prepares the body for stress, she explains.
Contrary to myth, a muscle cannot shorten and is therefore not lengthened by stretching either.
Instead, you stretch the fascial tissue, tendons, and ligaments.
Is it better to stretch before or after a workout?
Active before training, static after training, says Lethaus.
Active, dynamic training is particularly useful before intensive exercise, she points out.
The same applies to exercises that require speed, extra strength, and good flexibility.
Once youve completed your workout, static stretching exercises are a good idea, she says.
The throw in of preparation and follow-up stretches varies depending on what your training involves.
If your goal is better flexibility, you’re able to perform longer dynamic stretching exercises before.
