Stretches for running and other exercise

[Jonny69]

I open with running because this is where it stemmed from. I run with two girls, took up running not too long ago to get the old fitness up in my old age, and traditionally I've always been told to stretch before exercising. I've also heard that it's important to stretch after exercising, though I normally warm down and don't bother.

The girls warned me that static stretching before exercise is likley to cause an injury because you're pulling on a cold muscle, and better is to do dynamic stretches which is stretching on the move.

Any truth to this? Any hints and tips? What should one do differently with weight lifting exercises? Surely you should stretch before this?

 

[Sin_Chase]

I am sure I read on here from one of the BB guys that stretching before weights is bad.

I would wait for someone with insight and knowldge to come answer though

 

[Freefaller]

They're right. It's best just to do warm ups by doing some star jumps, body weight squats, fire hydrants, mountain climbers - all for about 30 reps. This will get the blood flowing to the muscles/joints.

Then start running, and increase the pace gradually.

Stretching post exercise IS very important and the best time to do it.

 

[Bear]

When I run, I warm up by fast walking or slow jogging. I do my run then stretch afterwards as my muscles in my legs tighten up otherwise. I have read that stretching pre run as the girls say is bad.

 

[[DOD]Asprilla]

Never stretch first, but always stretch after. Or at least that's the theory; considering I do at least two hours cardio every day I don't stretch anything like as much as I should.

When running I try to do a slow km and then do some active stretches and then start running properly. I then stretch at the end. It's a good idea to invest in a foam roller for your ITB since it's very hard to stretch without.

 

[Jonny69]

ITB?

 

[[DOD]Asprilla]

The Iliotibial Band. Runs from your glute down the outside of your thigh to your knee.

 

[Von Smallhausen]

I open with running because this is where it stemmed from. I run with two girls, took up running not too long ago to get the old fitness up in my old age, and traditionally I've always been told to stretch before exercising. I've also heard that it's important to stretch after exercising, though I normally warm down and don't bother.

The girls warned me that static stretching before exercise is likley to cause an injury because you're pulling on a cold muscle, and better is to do dynamic stretches which is stretching on the move.

Any truth to this? Any hints and tips? What should one do differently with weight lifting exercises? Surely you should stretch before this?

' Hellooow girls, Jonny here. Fancy a run out what ? '

 

[Edinho]

imo with 15 years running, you should be actively stretching at least 2 times daily anyway, pre run stretch is just as useful as post run.