Stretching can be a good or bad thing for your body depending on the timing of your stretching and the purpose for stretching for particular parts of your body. I have recently been asked the questions, when is the best time to stretch? Here is my short but hopefully helpful answer!
1. After a good warm up! After warming your body up for about 8-12 minutes (a light sweat) you can stretch immediately after. If you stretch prior to warming up it can cause injury and minimize the effects of the stretch. By warming up it raises the temperature of your body to the point where your muscles are warmed up and relaxed enough to stretch. Hold for a minimum 30 seconds up to 1 minute. Only stretch the muscles that need to be stretch for your particular activity. Any muscle that is restricting your body's range of motion, causing pain, and causing any muscle imbalance through out your body.
2. Prior to going to bed! When you stretch before bed, your muscle is able to hold the lengthened state, giving you the most of your time stretching. Your body does most of its tissue healing at night, so if you stretch prior to bed, it will heal in a lengthen state and help to balance your body.
Feel free to post any questions or comments!
Please check out my website at www.runwithmemeghan.com
Happy Balanced Running! :)
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