proper stretching

[trinisagaboy]

Whats the best way to stretch before working out the upper body(chest, bis, tris, back)? How long should you stretch for to ensure that you dont injure your muscles by working them cold?

 

[Honey Roasted]

Stretching before a workout is a little controversial.

This is what I do. First, I walk to the gym. Takes just a few minutes. Then I do light cardio for 5-10 minutes to warm up my entire body. This helps a lot. Then I usually do some general stretching that is not necessarily related to what body part I'm going to work out. This isn't necessary...I just enjoy stretching. Then I usually stretch the body part I'm going to work out. Then I usually warm up on the exercise I'm going to do by just using the bar or use light weight on dumbbells. Sounds like a lot now that I wrote it out, but it's not really. Then I stretch in between sets sometimes. And I try to stretch at the end of my workout...sometimes "extreme stretching" and sometimes light cardio for another 5-10 minutes.

You should hold stretches for at least 20 seconds. Up to a minute and pushing yourself hard if you want to gain flexibility.

 

[HulkRow]

Whats the best way to stretch before working out the upper body(chest, bis, tris, back)? How long should you stretch for to ensure that you dont injure your muscles by working them cold?

Read the thread called: "My stretching debate" ..has some good info.