Is it best to stretch before or after exercise?

Which is better, stretching before or after exercise?

Such a commonly revisited question with no definite right nor wrong answer; realistically, some form of stretching and muscle work should be practiced both before AND after exercise. 

As you watch a professional athletic event, it can almost always be observed that athletes are performing stretches prior to their event. 

If a career athlete is utilizing a stretch routine before their activity, it makes sense that all individuals at any athletic level should do the same before they jump into their particular exercise. 

What is not always broadcasted in a professional athletic event, however, is the fact that career athletes have set aside time early on to "warm-up" their muscles with a lighter, less demanding workout in order to stretch and lengthen their muscles easily in preparation for their main event. Career athletes never stretch "cold" muscles, and neither should you! Setting aside time to warm-up before stretching sets the groundwork for your more strenuous workout, which undoubtedly boosts the overall effectiveness of your exercise routine and ultimately prevents you from sustaining excess soreness or serious injuries over time.

What is best after exercise?

Stretching after strenuous activity is always going to be helpful, and a foam roll or massage gun can be the best type of muscle work to massage tight and overworked muscles following vigorous exercise. This practice helps to stimulate blood flow, bringing fresh oxygen to the oxygen deprived regions of your body and breaking down lactic acid buildup to significantly reduce delayed soreness and fatigue.

Modifying your routine to incorporate stretches before and after exercise, as well foam rolling and massage gun muscle work will generate such a positive difference in both your performance and recovery. If you're not already applying all of these elements into your self-care practice, it's never too late to do so! Keep notes of any changes you experience, in your routine and in the way you feel, in order to monitor your progress more effectively. 

Contact us to set up an appointment if you would like some guidance with specifically tailored stretches or a personalized foam roll routine!  Click here to schedule your appointment with us!