The Consequences of Skipping Pre- and Post-Workout Stretching

Starting in our grade school gym classes we have been told that we need to stretch before and after exercise. This information is pushed on us throughout school, sports and in every fitness article we read. Well, there is a really good reason for this: stretching is critical to prevent injury.

Does This Sound Like You?

You get in your cardio and strength training with no problem. You feel great so you figure that no stretching is not a big deal. You aren't the most flexible person, but it is okay because flexibility is not something you feel you need. So, one day you notice that your lower back is sore. You ignore it because sometimes sore backs just happen. A few weeks later you are doing some squats and all of the sudden there is a pain in your lower back that is just beyond words. You are injured.

Why Did the Injury Happen?

You strengthened your muscles wonderfully, but by strengthening them and not regularly working to make them more flexible, your hamstrings got very tight and this threw off your posture. This is a shortened explanation, but it is the gist. You need to increase your mobility as you increase your strength. In simple terms, you need things to balance out. Mobility (in terms of flexibility) will help to prevent injury not only when you are exercising and participating in physical activity, but just in your general everyday life.

So, How Can You Get More Flexible?

First, talk to your healthcare provider and have him or her help you develop an effective flexibility training routine. This routine will involve stretching before and after your workouts. You will work on improving the flexibility of all of your muscles to increase your overall mobility.

If you really want to increase flexibility, consider adding a yoga class once a week if you have time and the health to participate in this type of exercise. Yoga is one of the best ways to ease your body into additional flexibility.

It is important to make sure that you are warming up and cooling down before and after stretching. Warming up only takes five minutes. If you are working out at the gym, hop on the treadmill and walk or lightly jog for five minutes. If you are working out at home, you can march or jog in place for five minutes. Your cool down should also be about five minutes. Walking for five minutes is a good way to cool down.