Pre/Post Workout Stretching

Who actually remembers to stretch BEFORE and AFTER their workouts, every time?

🦗 crickets 🦗

Most clients I've worked with admit that they don't always remember to do this. And I'd be lying if I said I remembered every single time I went to the gym! But I am making a conscious effort.

So let's talk about why it's so important, and how to do it right!

WHY YOU SHOULD BE STRETCHIN'

Before a workout, warming up with some dynamic stretches is crucial.

It gets your blood flowing to all the muscles in your body, increases your mobility, and overall will improve your performance at the gym. Hellloooo new PR's!

Dynamic stretching is the opposite of static stretching, where you hold one position without moving. Instead, you're going to want to keep your body moving throughout the stretch.

Examples of dynamic stretches include:

✳️ PLANK WALK OUTS

✳️ LEG SWINGS

✳️ LUNGES WITH TORSO TWIST

Try some dynamic stretches before your next workout and let me know how freakin' amazing it felt. DM me on Instagram! @madeline_grace

After a workout, cool down with static stretches.

When you're holding your stretch position (yes, it might be slightly painful but worth it!), you're actually lowering your heart rate and lengthening your muscles, making them more flexible.

You should be holding each static stretch for AT LEAST 30 seconds, but you can hold it longer if you’d like!

Examples of static stretches include:

✳️ HAMSTRING STRETCH

✳️ QUAD STRETCH

✳️ TRICEPS STRETCH

I hate to say it but if you're not stretching, you're never really getting the most out of that workout.

And I know you are working your ass off at the gym, so make it count (and protect your muscles in the process!)

Cheers to happy muscles and better workouts 🥂