Benefits of Stretching Before and After Your Workout

Working out regularly is very important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. But while many people workout, they dont get in the right stretches.

Prepping your body with stretches before you start any activity is essential. This helps to increase the body’s temperature, which increases blood flow throughout the body, causing the body cells and tissues to receive adequate amounts of oxygen. At the same time, stretching during post-workout helps reduce the muscle stiffness and tension that might have been caused due to the exercises performed.

So, What are the Different Types of Stretches?

Stretching before and after a workout signals the body to be prepared for the start or end of the exercise. To get your body ready, there are different kinds of stretches that you can perform:

Dynamic Stretches

This stretch is done before a workout. In this type of stretch, active movements are done without holding a position. This increases the range of motion and stretches your muscles. Examples include hip rotation circles or arm circles.

Static Stretches

Static stretch is done after a workout and requires holding a particular position for 10 – 20 seconds. It aims to make you feel comfortable post a strenuous workout. Examples include hamstring stretch or calf stretch.

Ballistic Stretches

Ballistic stretching involves bouncing movement to push your muscles beyond the normal range of motion. For example, athletes, dancers, football players, etc., use ballistic stretching, like swinging legs before performing to jump higher or dance with more energy.

Benefits of Pre-workout Stretch

Getting in a good workout on a 20-inch stride elliptical or an incline elliptical is a great idea, but stretching 5 to 10 minutes before a workout holds several specific advantages.

 Increases blood flow

The first thing stretching does is increase your blood flow. Increased blood flow allows your muscles to receive better oxygen and helps eliminate the metabolic waste produced during a workout. As a result, the prepared muscles are up and ready for the oncoming strenuous activity.

Increases flexibility and range of motion

Correct stretches help loosen up the muscles and tendons in the body. Thus increasing the body’s flexibility and giving you a wide range of motion. This allows you to perform your workouts better with reduced chances of injuries.

Improves performance

As understood from the above points, stretching before a workout helps to increase blood flow, flexibility, and range of motion. All these, in turn, help to improve the overall workout performance, as the warm-up reduces muscle stiffness and allows you to perform any pulls or pain.

Benefits of Post-Workout Stretch

Imagine you got a great workout in a long stride elliptical. Your mind and body tell you to lie down or sit down, but wait. Do not do that! Even though studies have shown that exercising helps to increase serotonin levels which helps to calm your mood and reduce overall stress, it is best to allocate some time for stretching post your workout to ensure your body relaxes too. 

Reduces risk of injury and pain

Muscles become tight after they have been worked out. If they stay that way, you are prone to have an injury. With stretching post-workouts, the flexibility of the muscles becomes better as they loosen up, thus reducing your chance of injury and pain.

Mind and body relaxation

It’s helpful if the body and the mind cool down gradually after any workout, as your mind is under pressure by focusing on the activity. This is exactly what stretching post workout does.

Lactic acid elimination

Lactic acid is produced in your body when you perform a strenuous activity like a power-packed workout. The deposition of this lactic acid in your muscles and joints causes you to experience a burning sensation. This can also lead to muscle ache and make you feel tired. Stretching after a workout helps your body eliminate the accumulation of lactic acid, thus relaxing your muscles.

Conclusion

If you are working out daily, you might know the benefits and have noticed how you feel after a good stretch. You can consult an expert for which types of stretches are suitable for you and your workout routine.

Read Also

• 
  When Health Care Feels Personal Again — The Clinic Model That’s Making a Difference in Wilmington
  When your doctor remembers your name, something shifts. Health care feels impersonal for many: crowded clinics, brief visits, and records that don’t connect people to consistent care. In Wilmington, community clinics pair patients with steady teams and shared records so appointments build on what came before. Those clinics are bringing physical and mental health into… Read more: When Health Care Feels Personal Again — The Clinic Model That’s Making a Difference in Wilmington
• 
  Cellular Tissue Allografts for Regenerative Healing Support
  Have you ever wondered how the body can naturally restore damaged tissue and speed up recovery? Medical science has advanced to harness this remarkable ability through innovative biological therapies. Among these, cellular tissue allografts are emerging as a key method in regenerative healing. These grafts use naturally derived materials to promote repair at a cellular… Read more: Cellular Tissue Allografts for Regenerative Healing Support
• 
  Balancing Mobility and Comfort with Chiropractic Science
  Setting the Stage for Spinal Wellness The spine is your structural command center. Without it, mobility collapses and comfort erodes one vertebra at a time. Modern work habits grind it down: hours hunched at a desk, eyes locked to screens, bodies repeating the same micro-movements until muscles rebel. This chronic strain bleeds into productivity, mood,… Read more: Balancing Mobility and Comfort with Chiropractic Science
• 
  Discover Comfortable Assisted Living Options for Seniors
  Growing older brings changes, but it also opens doors to new beginnings. For many seniors, it’s a time to trade the stress of upkeep and isolation for peace, safety, and connection. Assisted living isn’t about giving up independence-it’s about gaining support that allows life to be enjoyed fully, without worry. Finding the right place means… Read more: Discover Comfortable Assisted Living Options for Seniors
• 
  From Silence to Support: Mental Health in Older Generations
  Did you know that some adults aged 65 and older feel very sad or worried, just like younger people do? Many of them keep these feelings to themselves and don’t ask for help. This can make them feel even more alone. Sometimes, people are afraid to talk about mental health because they think others won’t… Read more: From Silence to Support: Mental Health in Older Generations
• 
  Healthy Living Tips Every Senior Should Know for Vitality
  Growing older brings new ways to enjoy life with balance and grace. Every choice made each day can shape how strong and lively one feels. Simple changes can lead to a brighter, more active lifestyle. Health at any age is about keeping the body and mind connected. It’s about living each day with purpose, ease,… Read more: Healthy Living Tips Every Senior Should Know for Vitality