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Stretching immediately after working out and stretching the day after working out.
Seeks6_Pack Posts: 27
May 13, 2009 6:24 PM GMT
Will stretching out worked out body parts, the day after, affect muscle-tears from re-building? For example, I worked out glutes yesterday, stretched immediately after my work out in sauna, and will stretch glutes this evening. Will that hinder glute muscles from growing

kinetic Posts: 1111
May 13, 2009 9:07 PM GMT
I doubt it. It will definitely leave you less sore though.
LGWC Posts: 268
May 13, 2009 10:06 PM GMT
To my knowledge, it depends on how your stretching. Everything I've read about stretching says that you want to be warm while stretching, not cold. So do a small 5 minute run or something and stretch. Just make sure your not stretching from point zero
Seeks6_Pack Posts: 27
May 14, 2009 3:45 AM GMT
Cool, thanks for the info. I do tend to warm up first in the sauna, stretch, take a warm shower, and I'm sweating before even working out. I immediately work out and after stretching in sauna for 15 minutes, I'm ready to hit the BAR...the salad bar, that is.
May 15, 2009 10:44 PM GMT
In addition to stretching...you might want to look into the benefits of foam rolling...foam rolling breaks up the adhesions (scar tissue) that has built up on your muscles over time. Any place that sells fitness equipment will have them...your gym might have them too. It's very good to integrate into a training program especially for legs and gluteal muscles.
kalmusc Posts: 1
Feb 12, 2010 9:07 AM GMT
Stretching does not affect or inhibit muscle growth.
Feb 13, 2010 10:08 AM GMT
Two kinds of stretching are good: stretching as you strengthen (same session, after doing the lift you stretch the same muscle) and stretching alone (but still working the strength, but without weights).

We NEED to stretch. Modern life makes our bodies age before their time, and we have given in to it. Body building, with its emphasis on the externals (17inch arms etc), can actually make things worse if it is done without an emphasis on balance of muscle groups and lengthening as well as thickening the muscles. So, do both.

BTW beware of doing your main stretching at high temperatures (sauna etc). Believe it or not there is a right and a wrong way to stretch and the sauna can sometimes lead you to overstretch.
majoranimalsl... Posts: 42
Feb 20, 2010 3:59 PM GMT
I was suggested by a trainer to use the foam rolls and run it over your butt, thighs and quad.. This process simulates deep tissue massage, hence increase blood flow to the areas that you just worked. He recommends that you do the rolling right after a heavy leg workout. Then use the sauna/steamroom to further stretch those muscles. This may help to minimize pain and stiffness the next day. I found his suggestions very helpful and have been incorporating this as part of my leg workout session.
brownpride209 Posts: 1
Feb 28, 2010 5:24 AM GMT
Lostboy saidTwo kinds of stretching are good: stretching as you strengthen (same session, after doing the lift you stretch the same muscle) and stretching alone (but still working the strength, but without weights).

We NEED to stretch. Modern life makes our bodies age before their time, and we have given in to it. Body building, with its emphasis on the externals (17inch arms etc), can actually make things worse if it is done without an emphasis on balance of muscle groups and lengthening as well as thickening the muscles. So, do both.

BTW beware of doing your main stretching at high temperatures (sauna etc). Believe it or not there is a right and a wrong way to stretch and the sauna can sometimes lead you to overstretch.


Can you go more into detail of stretch wrong in sauna and steam room? I hit up the steam room for five to ten mins and stretch legs, back, arms, and chest. The same way dry when after a warm up.
Feb 28, 2010 12:37 PM GMT
OK. There is no problem stretching in heat, and you will be able to stretch further than normal. HOWEVER, do be careful not to go too far beyond your normal range of motion as you can strain yourself that way... Donīt worry too much, just donīt push it too far.