Fitness Tip of the Week: Warm Up Before Stretching

Flexibility training should be performed after a proper warm-up to allow effective stretching to take place. NEVER STRETCH COLD. Ideally, flexibility fitness should be performed 5 to 7 days a week for all major joints. Stretch to the point of mild discomfort, but not pain. Hold static stretches for 20 to 30 seconds, making sure to take deep even breaths. Static stretching should be performed after the workout. Dynamic stretching is a better way to prepare your muscles for a higher intensity workout.