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Hey Guys, I am wondering when I should participate in my gyms stretching class.

Should I do my 45 minute weight training or cardio session BEFORE or AFTER the stretching class that lasts 30min-1hr.

Which way is morre beneficial?

30 minutes of stretching? That seems excessive. Honestly, I would do stretching and weight lifting on different days. If that's not possible, then do stretching after the weigh lifting.

Stretching is good before and after weight training I find.

But a 30-60 minute stretching class? Do that on an off day. That is time better spent refueling or getting a few extra sets in.

do you mean a centergy class or an actual stretch class?

at any rate you should stretch before any physical activity. around 10 minutes would be good. as far as the class i would incorporste it into my "core day"

Stretching weakens the muscle, so if you do it beforehand, you won't be able to lift as much.

You should warm up before lifting, but I'd save the stretching for after

serious stretching after. You can do a bit of wiggling before just to get you warm, but longer periods and attempts to increase ROM should come after.

TexanMan82 saidStretching weakens the muscle, so if you do it beforehand, you won't be able to lift as much.

You should warm up before lifting, but I'd save the stretching for after

You brought up a good point. There's a difference between stretching and warming up. Here's an interesting article, in case anyone is interested..

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/02/sports/playmagazine/112pewarm.html

Unless you're an elite athlete, current sports science discourages stretching a cold, not pliable muscle, that will resist strength exercise / resistance training for a period of time after stretching.

Stretching post exercise is considered by most sports scientists to be the better alternative.

Numerous studies have indicated a muscle can be up to 30% larger with regular stretching.

Only a fool stretches a cold muscle.

Many of you have been taught exactly the WRONG thing.

stretching after feels soooo much better, your all warm and sore and the stretch feels gooooooood

I stretch a little in the morning when I wake up sore but its nothing like I do after a workout.. its gentle and quiet, there is no going to my max stretch and its more just to help wake me up..

Thanks for the link, xrichx. Interesting article.

Moderate stretching before weight training = yes.

Intense or Modulated stretching prior to training - as repeatedly stated = no.