Anyone who regularly works-out or plays knows that stretching is crucially important. But when is the right time to do it?Should you stretch before or after training? And how long do you need to spend doing it, in order for it to be effective? asked an expert to set the record straight on stretching. The benefits of stretching Why should we stretch at all? According to personal trainer , stretching has a range of benefits for the body, including better , improved flexibility and better mobility.
“Regular stretching improves mobility and serves as injury prevention, because it prepares the body for stress,” she explains. “Contrary to myth, a muscle cannot shorten and is therefore not lengthened by stretching either. Instead, you stretch the fascial tissue, tendons and ligaments.
” Is it better to stretch before or after a workout? According to Lethaus, there are three important factors to consider here: the duration of the stretching, the type of , and whether the stretching is dynamic or static. In terms of duration, she recommends a short series of stretches before after exercise, while making time for longer sessions of stretching on non-training days, or after a long day at your desk in the office. The difference between dynamic and static stretching While dynamic stretching is based on movement, static stretching involves moving a joint as far as it can go and then holding it for a period of time.
“Active before training, static after training,” says Lethaus. �.