Don’t skimp on the stretching

It’s time to treat your body with the respect it deserves. Set aside a short time to stretch both pre and post workout and maximize the effort you put in. Just because you’re getting a great sweat going and your blood pumping, doesn’t mean you can scratch that stretching.

First off, a warm up is called a warm up for a reason. You truly need to warm your body before jumping into a major routine. Studies show that stretching ahead of time decreases your chance of injury. Many people also report feeling more energized after warming up, giving them a better quality workout. The bottom line is that you need to get joints, muscles and even blood moving so that the body is prepared for what’s to come.

Afterwards, a cool down is just as important for treating your body right. Focus on stretches that center on the areas you just used. Muscles that are warm and tired will be more easily stretched. This period of the workout will prevent tightness over time as your body cools off. Cool downs will also decrease next-day soreness and speed up the healing process. The goal should be to gradually return your heart rate back to its standard or resting rate.

Plan to spend 5-10 minutes before and after a workout for warm ups and cool downs. Many yoga poses provide excellent movement for your body’s different muscles. Basic lunges and floor stretches are super ways to prepare and repair your muscles. Because many gym activities tend to use the legs, be sure to get quads, hamstrings, hip flexors and calves properly stretched. But don’t forget the arms, and even your core needs attention.

Give your muscles some extra love before and after a workout. Find the right stretching routine for you and your body will thank you.