The Truth About Stretching Before Workouts

Everything you were taught about stretching before exercise is probably wrong.

Static stretching before a workout makes you weaker. Holding a stretch for more than thirty seconds temporarily reduces strength. That is the last thing you want before lifting.

Dynamic warm ups are better. Leg swings, arm circles, walking lunges, torso twists. These prepare your body for movement without reducing strength.

Save static stretching for after your workout or on rest days. That is when it actually improves flexibility.

The best pre workout warm up is five to ten minutes of light cardio followed by dynamic stretches. Get your heart rate up, mobilize your joints, then start training.

A good warm up does not have to be complicated. It just has to prepare you for what you are about to do.