Stretching is your pension plan

Stretching is something EVERYONE forgets to do. Now everyone knows that stretching is beneficial for avoiding injuries, so why are you still not doing it? What if I told you that by stretching you could not only avoid an injury but you could also gain muscle tone and recover quicker?


When we exercise we cause small damages to the muscles we've worked. Then eating the right nutrients and rest repairs the damage. Well stretching (before and after) also damages the muscles allowing us to add a greater result once we've replenishes them. So what are you waiting for? There's no need to spend extra time in the gym just do what your suppose to.

Many of my clients aches and pains are down to tight muscles. But not any more as I ALWAYS stretch them out. Here's Train With JC's top tips for stretching;


Before your workout

Keep it active by doing dynamic stretches such as hamstring kicks are best. This allows you to increase the stretch with every kick while warming up your muscles at the same time. Replicate your workout as this will also kick your brain into gear as its a test run for whats to come. For example if your training your legs then start with body weight squats and lunges. 

Start with a light set at the beginning of your workout use a light weight for a high repetition. This not only warms up the brain but it also does the same for the muscle your intending on working.

Stretch your whole body and take the opportunity to keep your body loose and mobile. Just because you’re training legs don’t neglect your upper body and utilise the time to get the extra work in.


After your workout

You can use the same stretches as your warm up but make sure you add some static holds into the mix as well. Isometric holds for 30-60 seconds will help elevate some tension built up during your session. 

Stretching the morning after your workout will do you the world of good and help you release the tension and DOMS. Remember that your goal is long term and so is your need for flexibility and mobility. 

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