Is It Better To Stretch Before Or After My Cardiovascular Workout?

Dr. Rosenbaum answers the question: 'Stretching Before, After Cardio Workout?'

ByABC News
December 22, 2008, 3:55 PM

July 1, 2009— -- Question: Is it better to stretch before or after my cardiovascular workout?

Answer: It's definitely better to stretch after your workout. Some studies have come out that have shown that stretching before cardiovascular workout really doesn't do much to prevent injuries. In fact, it may actually predispose you to more injuries -- the thought being that stretching a cold, tight muscle could induce some small tears within that structure and perhaps lead to problems when you get active. So, stretching afterwards has the advantage of the muscles being warm, loose, more blood flow is occurring, and so you're going to get more benefit out of that stretch after activity.