Why You Should Make Post-Workout Stretching a Priority

Want to improve flexibility? Then it’s time to start stretching after your workouts

Stretching in the warm-up prepares your body for exercise, but to really improve flexibility you’ll need to do more. (This is the right way to stretch before your next workout.)

“You should not try to permanently improve range of motion with extensive stretching in your warm-up, just like you would not try to get stronger by lifting heavy weights in a warm-up,” says David Behm, PhD, a research professor in the School of Human Kinetics and Recreation at Memorial University of Newfoundland.

To improve flexibility, try a stretching class

They’re perfect for people looking for methods to prevent muscle and tendon injuries. Check your gym’s schedule to see if any are offered. Or, stretch at home for 20-30 minutes, holding each static stretch for a minute or more, making sure to include all major muscles: shoulders, back, thighs, hips and butt.

Related: When’s the last time you focused on your flexibility? Well, our one-week stretching program is the key to becoming more fit and lowering your risk of injury.