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It is better to stretch after lifting weights.

from "Why Should I Stretch After a Workout?" by Summer Cavalier-Banks,

"Stretching after a workout serves a dual function. The body is given time to cool down and the muscles are elongated after shortening during the workout. Stretching is essential for muscle health and the prevention of injury.

When a muscle is used repeatedly, lactic acid moves into the muscle. This is the acid that causes pain in the muscle after a workout. When the activity stops, the muscles are at their shortest and need to be stretched while warm in order to move some of this acid out of the muscle. When lactic acid is left in the muscle, contraction can occur and the muscle can be injured easily.

The Proper Method of Stretching

Stretching is an easy exercise, but many people still perform stretches incorrectly. When the muscle is warm, is should be elongated with a smooth and even movement. Bouncing and forcing the muscle to stretch farther than a natural movement can cause tears in the muscle.

Stretching should be used for every muscle and after every workout routine. This includes weight training and cardio. After cardio exercises, stretching should focus on the larger muscle groups of the lower body. These include the muscles on the front of the thigh, back of the thigh and lower legs.

Weight training exercises can include every muscle of the body and while it may be impossible to stretch every muscle, the major muscles of the area should be stretched. When lifting weights with the upper body, for instance, the biceps, triceps and chest muscles should be stretched after the workout.

Stretching helps prevent injury and reduce pain, but also serves a third purpose. If the muscles are not stretched, the lactic acid can leave a person feeling like they do not want to work out again. The pain may be too much to move the muscle group and that can lead to a reduction in physical activity." - http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2188885/why_should_i_stretch_after_a_workout.html?cat=51 accessed on April 13th, 2011

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13y ago
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11y ago

It is VERY important to warm up before doing gymnastics because you can seriously injure yourself if you don't warm up properly. You need to get your body ready to exercise. Gymnastics requires a lot of flexibility and strength, and you can't just rush into the big skills without warming up your body first or it could be dangerous.

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14y ago

because you wont get cramps, pull muscles or physically injure yourself

hope i helped xx

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14y ago

So you don't pull a muscle, and to release all the tention so you can be more flexible.

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14y ago

so your muscles are warmed up and you do not make your leg go in pain. You don't over-stretch your leg and stuff up your leg.

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12y ago

It is important to stretch before exercising because you wouldn't get a sprain or strain or physically injure yourself.

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Q: Why is it important to stretch before doing physical activity?
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Related questions

Why it is important to stretch before participating in physical activity?

it is important to stretch out your muscles so you don't pull a muscle


Is It important to drink water before during and after physical activity?

True! (;


Is it more important to stretch before or after exercise?

It is important to stretch before and after you exercise because if you dont you will get sore after.


Warming up before an activity is imporatnt to reduce your chance of?

warming up (including stretching) before an intense activity reduces the chance of pulling or even tearing muscles. This does not usually prevent from being sore afterwards or the next day though. you should stretch and warm up before the activity and stretch alot after the activity, and especially stretch what feels the most sore to you.


Why is it important to get a preventive health screening before beginning a physical activity program?

You need to check for any condition or disease that might cause illness or injury as a result of your changed physical activity.


Why is it important to stretch before hip hop dance?

It is important to stretch before hip-hop because if you don't stretch, you have a better chance of getting injured. It is also important to stretch because if your body is not warmed up before you start to move, it is harder to learn choreography.


Does playing sports make for a healthy body?

Of course, with a few caveats:Don't overdo it; always stretch and warm up first; and check with a doctor before starting any new form of physical activity or exercise.


What can be done to reduce sports injuries?

To reduce the risk of sport related injuries, the best thing to do is stretch, before and after physical activity. If you are sore ice 20 minutes on then twenty minutes off. Repeat about 2 to 3 times.


Why is it important to change your clothes before and after performing physical activity?

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Why is it important to do a light warm up jog before you begin to do a work out or physical activity?

Because you are tired and want to rest so by sitting down it will be helpful. Also, people get restless


What 3 leg muscle groups are important to stretch before running?

Hamstrings, Quadriceps, and Calfs


Importance of cooldown exercises?

you need to stretch before sport or games because: muscles work best when they are warm, a sudden stretching of cold can damage it, it is best to warm up with stretching exercises and gentle jogging before doing anything strenuous.