Should You Be Stretching Before Exercising?

Stretching Before Exercise: Do or Don’t?

In the health field there always seems to be experts arguing over something we have done for a long time. Then, comes new research and we realize there might be a better way after all.

Stretching before we exercise is something that has been instilled in most of us since primary school; we are less likely to injure a muscle if we warm up before suddenly starting a strenuous movement. However, there has been some debate recently over whether it really is a good idea. Stretching a muscle lengthens it. If we are about to run a sprint, we want our muscles firm and ready to take the weight, not lengthened, stretched and relaxed.

As is often the case, balance is what works best. Exercising on cold muscles is not good, but neither is thoroughly lengthening a muscle before using it. The consensus seems to be warming up with a light jog and some dynamic stretches( eg. swinging each leg back and forth or lunges). Saving the targeted, static stretches for after your exercise.

For help developing a stretching plan that’s right for you, schedule a visit with Dr. Kennedy at Wignall-Kennedy Chiropractics for an evaluation and personalized treatment plan! We are always accepting new patients.