6 Stretches for a Lean, Limber Body

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The Best Time to Stretch

Question: "What's the best time to stretch -- before or after a workout?"

Answer: "Some studies have shown that stretching right before exercise can actually hamper performance," says Mike Bracko, EdD, director of the Institute for Hockey Research in Calgary, Alberta, and a fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine.

One Theory: When you stretch, protein filaments in the muscles expand, then stay elongated for a short time, making the muscle weaker for about 10 to 15 minutes. Better? Warm up to increase blood flow, then stretch post-workout, when your muscles are more flexible.

Next: The Forgotten Area You Must Work

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smithnyla12 wrote:

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3/26/2013 09:32:30 AM Report Abuse

a3984502 wrote:

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2/13/2012 07:00:18 AM Report Abuse

kyleeanndoan wrote:

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8/19/2011 10:34:47 PM Report Abuse