Why Do You Need To Stretch?

Why do you need to stretch every time you workout?
You walked, ran, lifted, and swam. You’re not done, yet. Did you make time to stretch? Before? After? Sometime in between? 

I’m confused about this whole stretching thing myself. That’s why whenever I am not sure about the right advice, I turn to the professionals to set me and all of you in the right direction.

Introducing Mattew Taub @matthewtaub. International Fitness Presenter. Fitness Expert. Certified Personal Trainer. Founder of @effort_and_attitude.

Here is what he has to say about stretching – and my oh my, it’s good. Why didn’t I write about this before?

Why do you need to stretch?

Think of your muscles like a tight elastic band. The tighter the muscles get, the harder it will be for them to function well. Tight muscles mean that it will be super hard to climb the stairs to your bedroom, which should be done with ease. 

When you stretch, you are allowing your muscles to function at their optimal ability.
Take a plastic pen and bend it. Watch it snap into two pieces! If you take the same pen and warm it up enough to bend it, it will bend and not snap.

When?

The best time is after a 3-5 minutes light cardio workout. Not before you begin your full workout. You should also stretch for a longer period at the end of your workout. 
What does that look like if you are a runner? Walk at a brisk pace for about 5 minutes, stop to stretch, then begin your run. Then stretch afterward! 😉

How?

Don’t overstretch. Don’t bounce. Keep it static. This is the kind that you hold. You can also do a Dynamic Stretch which can be your warm-up. 

How long?

30 seconds a stretch 2-4 times per muscle group. Whoa – that’s a long time, but you’ve worked hard and your muscles need some TLC and time to recover properly.  Not to mention reducing the risk of injury.

Here are some big myths that need to be cleared:

• Stretching before a warmup. No need.
• Blaming flexibility on genetics.

The bottom line here is that we need to stretch. It helps with circulation, muscle fatigue, and strains. Ever pull a muscle reaching for something behind your car? That has nothing to do with age. That’s a lack of stretching.

You’ve heard it here, folks. 
Stretch.

I’m so grateful to be able to have the opportunity to write what I’m passionate about and what I think will serve others. If you would like me to write about you and your passions for the Braves The Waves Journal, or for your own company, please be in touch.