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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
What else can I help you with?
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! (;
What are the best practices for safe stretching to prevent injury during physical activity?
To prevent injury during physical activity, it is important to follow safe stretching practices. This includes warming up before stretching, holding each stretch for 15-30 seconds, avoiding bouncing or jerking movements, and breathing deeply while stretching. It is also important to stretch all major muscle groups and to listen to your body to avoid overstretching.
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 a warm up important before starting any physical activity?
A warm-up is important before physical activity because it helps increase blood flow to the muscles, raises body temperature, and prepares the body for more intense exercise. This can help prevent injuries and improve performance during the 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.
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.
How can I prevent and manage excessive muscle cramps during physical activity?
To prevent and manage excessive muscle cramps during physical activity, it is important to stay hydrated, maintain proper electrolyte balance, stretch before and after exercise, and gradually increase intensity and duration of workouts. Additionally, incorporating a balanced diet rich in potassium, magnesium, and calcium can help prevent muscle cramps. If cramps occur, gently stretch and massage the affected muscle, apply heat or ice, and rest until the cramp subsides.
How can I prevent hamstring muscle or tendon injuries during physical activity?
To prevent hamstring muscle or tendon injuries during physical activity, it is important to warm up properly before exercising, stretch regularly to maintain flexibility, strengthen the muscles through targeted exercises, and listen to your body to avoid overexertion. Additionally, using proper form and technique during activities can help reduce the risk of injury.
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 is a moving stretch called?
A moving stretch is called a 'dynamic stretch'. A dynamic stretch uses speed of movement, momentum and active muscular effort to bring about a stretch . Unlike static stretching the end position is not held.
