When and why we should STRETCH!
When and why we should STRETCH!
One of the best times to stretch is right after a strength workout such as weightlifting. Static stretching of fatigued muscles performed immediately following the exercises that caused the fatigue, helps not only to increase flexibility, but also enhances the promotion of muscular development (muscle growth), and will actually help decrease the level of post-exercise soreness.
After you have used weights (or other means) to overload and fatigue your muscles, your muscles retain a "pump" and are shortened somewhat. This shortening, is due mostly to the repetition of intense muscle activity that often only takes the muscle through part of its full range of motion. This (pump) makes the muscle appear bigger. The (pumped) muscle is also full of lactic acid and other by-products from exhaustive exercise. If the muscle is not stretched afterward, it will retain this decreased range of motion (it sort of forgets how to make itself as long ) and the buildup of lactic acid will cause post-exercise soreness. Static stretching of the (pumped) muscle helps it to become looser, and to remember its full range of movement. It also helps to remove lactic acid and other waste products from the muscle.L.G.Fitness-Messiah. #ilivethis
