• Stretching the Correct Way

    Don’t bounce while stretching.

    Hold each stretch for at least 15 seconds but preferably up to 30 seconds.

    Don’t stretch past the point of resistance. You should feel the tension but it shouldn’t be painful.

    Benefits of Stretching

    Stretching will help with muscle soreness, increase your recovery, increase athletic performance, and will help to prevent injuries.

    When to Stretch

    Before Exercise

    If you are going for a steady run or walk or jog, I think it’s OK if you just do a few light stretches (6-7 seconds) of the quads, hamstrings and calves and then proceed with your training. As you run, your body will start to loosen up. If for some reason it doesn’t, stop and stretch again for longer this time. If you are going to be doing a hard run or race, you need to warm the muscles up first with a jog for 5-10 minutes and then stop and stretch properly. Go through your whole stretching routine. Stretching is very important before your hard training session begins. You then proceed with a few fast strides and then you’re ready to go. The faster you have to run, the more you have to stretch. For example a mile race requires a lot more stretching time than a 5k or 10k race.

    After Exercise

    Go through your stretching routine properly as you will get a very good improvement in your recovery time. If you don’t stretch, you’ll be stiff (tight) most of the day and before your next training session.