Should You Stretch Before Lifting Weights?
The age old debate - should you stretch before exercise?
The answer is...it depends.
Are you an elite sprinter or Olympic weightlifter who already has adequate ROM? Maybe NOT!
Are you a stiff, inflexible 50 year old who isn't trying to win Olympic gold but who just wants to feel good? Maybe you DO stretch before lifting weights.
You may not fit into either of these two extremes.
Other considerations are:
- How much time do you have?
- What's your injury history?
- How are you feeling TODAY?
- What's more important? Comfort or performance?
- Am I feeling social pressure to look good or lift heavy?
The last one is a doozy. Even your own ego ("I want to impress these people in gym today.") influences whether you do the smart thing (mobilize) or the dumb thing (force ranges of motion you don't have.) Countless injuries have come from trying to look good in front of other people.
A smart person checks their ego at the door and factors in all the these considerations.
Watch today's video to see how much YOU need to stretch before lifting weights.
About The Author
Shane Dowd, CES, CMP is the owner / founder of GotROM.com. He is also a sports performance & mobility coach specializing in injury prevention and flexibility for athletes.
