Don't Stretch Before Activity....here's why:


Do you stretch before exercise or maybe before a sporting event? You shouldn't.

Just about every study done on stretching in the past several years has proven pretty much beyond a shadow of a doubt that stretching before activity DOES NOT prevent injury nor does it improve performance.

Not only that, but it can actually decrease your performance by making you slower and weaker---a flimsy, overstretched muscle has a more difficult time generating the power for a strong contraction. A tighter (but warmed up) muscle can generate more strength and speed.

On top of all that, a cold muscle won't stretch significantly anyway, so don't bother trying. Plus, stretching a cold muscle is very dangerous and can likely lead to serious injury!

But...stretching AFTER activity has many benefits and can help improve performance down the line. But stretching before activity is pretty much wasting your time.

Here's what you SHOULD do before activity:

The goal before activity is to warm the body up with a general activity such as jogging for 5 minutes. Then you can do range of motion exercises like high knees, butt kicks and jumping jacks (awesome boot camp exercises by the way) to complete your warm-up.

Leave that stretching till the end of the workout.
 

Efficient Fitness, LLC

Individual results may vary. The products-services offered are not intended to treat or cure any disease. Before beginning any physical activity and-or nutrition program it is recommended you consult your physician. Information contained on this website is for informational-educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.
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