I usually do an aerobic workout first (today Low Max) and do the cool down but I don't do the stretch because I will follow it with a weight workout (today was Pyramid Lower Body). I do the stretch after the weights since I am finishing but I am wondering if stretching is necessary after the aerobic since I am not finished at that point? I would appreciate some information from some of you experts out there (and there are many wonderful experts answering my questions). Thank you.
stretching between workouts necessary?
- Thread starter Tallchick
- Start date
exercise forever
Cathlete
Well I'm no expert, but I figure you wouldn't have to stretch when doing aerobic and going into weights. You want to keep your muscles warm when going to weights. Then do the stretch at the end of your weight workout. You are doing now as I would do. But there are some that probably know more than me. There are some smart ladies around here. They help me alot.
But that is my opinion, and I hope it helps.
kim
But that is my opinion, and I hope it helps.
kim
There have been studies which have shown that stretching before a weights workout is bad news because you temporarily lose a degree of strength, which is not ideal at that point!
The muscles are beautifully warm after cardio, so cool down, drink and start weights when you are ready. Stretch at the end.
If, however, you were going into upper body weights, it would be good to stretch out the legs and glutes after the cardio, in case you forget later.
Clare
The muscles are beautifully warm after cardio, so cool down, drink and start weights when you are ready. Stretch at the end.
If, however, you were going into upper body weights, it would be good to stretch out the legs and glutes after the cardio, in case you forget later.
Clare
kathryn
Cathlete
Just seconding what Clare says. More and more studies are showing that stretching BEFORE weight work makes the muscle less able to contract.
If you still feel a bit stiff after cardio (ie: maybe your upper body doesn't feel limber enough?), then you could do some dynamic range-of-motion moves (shoulder rolls, back and chest "pec-dec" moves), but not static stretches.
If you still feel a bit stiff after cardio (ie: maybe your upper body doesn't feel limber enough?), then you could do some dynamic range-of-motion moves (shoulder rolls, back and chest "pec-dec" moves), but not static stretches.