Purpose of Stretching

Stretching is used to improve the flexibility of all of the major muscle groups within the body. Improved flexibility allows for a greater range of motion at the joints enabling a greater freedom of movement.

When stretching, it is important to target each area of the body in order to ensure that the flexibility of all muscle groups is improved and good posture is maintained.

Pre-exercise Stretching

Pre-exercise stretching is conducted in order to prepare a muscle for exercise, by increasing the range of motion at a given joint.

In health related exercise pre-exercise stretching is not essential as it is rarely the case that a joint will be required to work through its complete range of motion. Where this is the case, movements will generally be conducted in a slow and controlled manner, hence not putting the joint or muscle at risk of injury.

For sports where explosive movements are performed close to the limits of a joints range of motion, pre-exercise stretches are important. A mixture of static (stationary) and dynamic (moving) stretches should then be used to prepare the muscles.

Post-exercise Stretching

The purpose of post-exercise stretching is to improve flexibility gradually over time, taking advantage of the fact that the muscles are warm and malleable after exercise. Post-exercise stretches are recommended for all exercisers as flexibility is an important component of fitness.

Static stretches are ideal for post-exercise stretches. If improved flexibility is one of your primary goals then advanced stretches can be performed with the assistance of a personal trainer. Please see the section on Personal Training is you are interested in conducting advanced stretches under the guidance of a qualified trainer.

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