Let's Talk About...

[Modular]

I have heard that you should stretch before and after a workout/run, and I've heard that you should only stretch afterwards.

Personally I do both. I lightly stretch before a run and then do a little more intense stretching afterwards. Also, I do situps/pushups and walk a bit to get my body warmed up before I run.

Is there any reason not to stretch before a run/workout? I've heard that you can pull a muscle that way, but I don't believe that. It would seem that going "cold" straight into a run/workout is much more conducive to injury than warming up/stretching a bit beforehand.

 

[InflatableBuddha]

Both coaches I've had recommend against stretching before you run, for the reason you stated (potential pulled muscle). If you do stretch, do it after running a 15 min warmup (slower pace).

One of my coaches actually recommends not stretching at all - he feels an "active warmup" does a better job of loosening your muscles. Try some of these exercises after a steady run, or if you are doing intervals/track work, after your warmup.

For longer, steady runs, you don't need to stretch at all - just make sure your first 15 min is at a slower pace than the rest of the run.

 

[dudeman007]

When working out it's usually a good idea to jog around a bit and getting your muscles moving. Don't do anything strenuous, just try and get your body warmed up. Once you're done with that it's vital that you stretch before a workout. Too many athletes shrug stretching off and it haunts them later on down the line. Hold each stretch for at least 30 seconds and if it still hurts go longer.

When you're done it is also very important to finish right! Run some cool down laps and then end it with some more stretching. This is will help you from getting terrible sore the next day after a tough workout!

 

[michaelsslave]

i never have had any problems not stretching before my runs. and ive ran hundreds of time during the winter when its 10 F. i also never warm up either.

 

[dudeman007]

Originally posted by: InflatableBuddha
One of my coaches actually recommends not stretching at all - he feels an "active warmup" does a better job of loosening your muscles. Try some of these exercises after a steady run, or if you are doing intervals/track work, after your warmup.

Active warmups are definitely a great idea! Your body really needs you to be moving while you're warming up and before you stretch. When your coach tells you that you don't need to stretch before a workout, keep in mind I don't think he's necessarily saying don't warm up.

 

[Auggie]

Stretch before and after a workout. If you're stretching so hard that you pull a muscle before working out... uh, you're stretching too damn hard.

Stretching is NEVER a bad idea. Sometimes it's good to just periodically stretch your muscles during the day, when you're not even doing anything more strenuous than walking around, getting in/out of the car, etc.

Habitually stretching is a great way to maintain your peak joint flexibility and muscle tone. You see dogs and cats (both domesticated and wild) and other animals constantly stretching.

 

[RapidSnail]

How could I effectively set up a stretching regimen to the point where I would be flexible near the level of a gymnast? I don't mean to draw 1:1 comparisons, but I really need to increase flexibility in major muscle groups (hip flexors, hamstrings, adductors) to improve stretch in my squat and improve my sprinting stride.

 

[TBone48]

I never stretch before a run, and only once in a while after. I've never had any problems. ( 4-5 miles/day over 20 years)

 

[Leeroy]

Warmup, then stretch, then work out, then do a light cooldown, then stretch again.
I do Taekwondo, and if I don't warmup and stretch beforehand, I'm nowhere near as flexible, and will always hurt something. If don't get a proper cooldown, I'm feeling it for the rest of the week with really tight, sore muscles.

Running would be no different, you NEED to stretch the muscles you'll be using before giving them a heavy workout of any kind.

 

[Capt Caveman]

I've been running competitively for about ten years. I only stretch afterwards to reduce soreness.

There are a few studies out there that have shown that folks that stretch prior to warming-up properly have a higher incident of injuries. If you start-out slowly in your run and then increase your pace, you'll be fine.