When Should I Stretch?

I can never express how important stretching is to patients. It’s one of those perceived boring things that people think they ‘should’ do but quite often miss. Personally, I do a stretch session every morning to get my body ready for the day.

As a former gymnast, its in my blood! Stretching isn’t something that just needs to be done post workout, it can be done far more often!  

When should you stretch?

I often get asked when the best time to stretch is. Muscles love to be stretched when they are warm.  They are more pliable and you’ll get far more from your stretch with regards to increasing flexibility.  When you stretch muscles, try to make sure they are in a relaxed state.  I usually advise people to stretch either seated or laying as its not ideal to stretch a muscle that is working or contracted. Although this is not always possible with all muscles. If you are using your stretch as a warm up to exercise or competition, spend some time warming up the muscles with a walk or some dynamic movement.  Developmental stretching, where you are aiming to gain flexibility can be done after a workout, after a hot bath/shower, or first thing in the morning as you get up when your body is relaxed.  After all, whats the first thing you do as you wake up? – S_T_R_E_T_C_H! 

Why should you stretch?

Ensuring that your joints can move through their full range of movement can prevent injuries.  If you were to accidentally pull or push a joint suddenly and your muscles had to extend to cope with this, they are far less likely to tear or become damaged if they have the flexibility already there.  Being flexible also aids good posture.  Chronically tight muscles can hold you in postures that are not good for you in the long term.  Stretching can also reduce muscle tension, enhance muscular co-ordination, aid relaxation and improve body awareness

There are many different types of stretching, active, passive, dynamic, static, developmental and maintenance. The latest research suggests you hold a stretch from 40 seconds to a minute, which tends to work the best.

I quite often teach patients how to stretch properly in order to get the best from it.  Having flexibility in your muscles helps our joints move through their full range of movement and prevents injury or mobilisation issues!  For me, its just as important as strength training!

If  you are unsure or would like stretching advise please contact us and we can advise you, stretching properly is an art!