Stretch before working out! This really defies conventional thinking. MSNBC.com is reporting that static stretching (stretching in one spot, such as traditional leg and arm stretches) is actually counterproductive by causing muscles to tighten instead of relax. Your body may think there’s a risk of overstretching, so it compensates by contracting and increasing tensity. This increased tenseness restricts how fast and freely you move, while upping the chances of injury. Various studies few years ago have proven that static stretching before playing sports causes the player to move slower and be weaker. Yikes! So what should we do? Stretch actively. Do some active stretching by warming up with a light jog or sport-specific exercise, such as kicking for football. This will increase the heart rate and blood flow to the muscles, which raises body temperature so you can access your full range of motion within control.
Research shows that active stretching that incorporates movement is more effective than static stretching. Static stretching should only be done other times of the day, such as after a workout or at the end of the day, not to prepare for training. Its recommended several times a week. Conversely, active stretches work more muscle groups, so that stretched muscle learns to extend while another muscle group is simultaneously working.
Bottom line: Maximize the benefits of stretching based on when and how you do it. Static stretching can be done at night or other times of the day, but active stretching needs to be done before a workout. Active stretches that mimic the movement of an intended activity, such as lunges for runners, before intense training keeps your body running (ha..no pun intended) efficiently. Check it out at MSNBC.com.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36553174/ns/health-fitness/
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