Stretching

[daande]

I dont really do it unless I am sore. So I am asking how often should I stretch when should I stretch etc. What are the benefits of regular stretching?

[MMASTAR]

Stretching should be done after workout not before, doing static stretching before workouts leads to injury, muscle should be warm before any intense stretching.

[Lifter24]

Stretching should be done after workout not before, doing static stretching before workouts leads to injury, muscle should be warm before any intense stretching.

I agree... after workout not before... just do some warm-up sets at the beginning of a workout... stretching after leg days especially makes life easier for me

[warlock]

Light stretch after a WO is fine. You should not try to go deep into a PWO stretch as it will break even more muscle and will make you even more sore.

do light stretch after your WO to "release" teh muscle" and in your days off try to go deep and increse range of motion.

Frequency is gonna be determined by personal goals and needs.

In my opinion to get some benefits out of it you should do 2 stretching sessions a week going anywhere from 30 min to 1h.


There are a ton of benefits but the biggest one related to BBing I'd say that if you can get a free range of motion in a joint that will help you to get a full contraction of the muscles involved in the joint leading to more and better balanced development.

In a perfect world I'd do weights 4X a week and 2X would be cardio and deep stretch.

[Praetorian]

Actually stretching can be done lightly prior to training in a dynamic format. After training a much more intense routine can be utilized to enhance muscular growth. This was made popular by DC Dante in his training regiment.
If you are sore...start lighter and build on it...it will go away as you get used to it.
P

[BigWheel]

Dc style stretching is great and really seems to give my muscles a rounder and fuller look.

[JonnyO]

I agree with what Preatorian said, I have been doing a lot of stretching in between sets lately too. Its an old wifes tale to only stretch pwo.

[monkey]

Stretching can also help to reduce the risk of injuring yourself. I should stretch way more than I do, lol