stretching and flexibility

**heatherswar** · 07-24-2010 07:12 PM

I know I need to stretch before workouts so I don't hurt myself but I am not flexible and it hurts to stretch. What is the best way to stretch without the pain and gain more flexibility???? Any suggestions would be helpful and much appreciated. Thanks.

**holetoledo** · 07-25-2010 03:03 PM

I am the same way, too. Stretch according to how your body feels. If it's too painful, you're stretching too much. By the end of the week or the following week, slightly increase the limits in which you've allowed yourself to stretch, whether it's a half inch further or an inch further. I do a lot of isometrics, too, which has been helping me a lot, especially my arms, and my thighs which I really have to work on since I messed up my knee.

Here are two links that have helped me immensely, hopefully they'll work for you!

*Removed outbound links*

**KMonte85** · 07-26-2010 08:09 AM

I've always been told that you should NOT stretch before exercising.. as your muscles are cold and trying to stretch them could cause some strain or even injury.. Instead of stretching, try some warm up exercises to get the muscles and joints in your body ready for your workout - do some aerobics or calistetics, basically a lighter version of what you're going to do for your full workout. If you go for a run to work out, start out with a walk or light jog until your muscles are warm, then begin working out..

**kygirl** · 07-28-2010 07:11 AM

I'm going with KM. The studies show that really it's best to just warm up your muscle ballistically by moving around instead of doing static stretches. Those should be saved for the end of your workout routine.