Good Stretching Before/After Cardio Exercise?

[LDebagoria]

I used to take about 20min. before and after a workout, but recently I've read that stretching before doesn't make a difference, after is more important. Anyone else hear of this?

[cincybrownsugar]

I heard it but I still stretch before, I do not stretch long though, never did. Maybe 2-5 min

[good2uuuu]

YOu are correct. I can't cite it right now, but I have read it in several fitness magazines as well as one of my husbands medical journals plus an article from his sports medicine rotation. I just can't look through all that stuff to find it. But basically you risk more injury by streching before your workout. It's best to warm up with light cardio and then kick up the intensity after about 5 minutes and then stretch thouroughly after. The same applies to weight training. Warm up with light cardio first and then stretch well after your weight training. The only exception is for sports invovling explosive movemnt, I believe. I really need to read up to make sure. I don't want to give out the wrong info oon this one point. HTH.

ETA: I do not strech before my workouts. Only after.

[Ipanema]

I've heard of this. I only stretch afterwards. I read it in Bob Greene's book (that Body for Life guy).

[carrie]

I only stretch after cardio when I am warm. When lifting, I stretch between sets.

[Poohbear]

I think it depends on which cardio exercise you do.

When I use to jog on the treadmill, I needed to stretch out my legs to loosen them up for at least 5 minutes before proceeding.

For spinning, elliptical, or weight training, I find that I don't need to stretch.

[DigitalRain]

I stretch only after my muscles are warm and soft from a full session of exericise. The muscles are more pliable and more easily stretched after a workout. Not good to try to stretch cold muscles.

[good2uuuu]

I've heard of this. I only stretch afterwards. I read it in Bob Greene's book (that Body for Life guy).

Bill Phillips=Body for Life

Bob Green=Make the Connection/ Oprah's trainer.

Not picking on you at all. Just didn't want anyone to go looking for the book and be confused:) .

[Ipanema]

I always get those two confused. I have no idea why. :lol:


Bill Phillips=Body for Life

Bob Green=Make the Connection/ Oprah's trainer.

Not picking on you at all. Just didn't want anyone to go looking for the book and be confused:) .

[BLESSED1]

I follow warmup/stretch/cardio or weights/cooldown/ stretch.

Are you looking for stretches to do? I'm confused by the title of your post, sorry...

[foxxymami]

I stretch only after my muscles are warm and soft from a full session of exericise. The muscles are more pliable and more easily stretched after a workout. Not good to try to stretch cold muscles.

this is what i've heard before, too