Why isn't it good to stretch when it's cold?

E

Easton

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I've heard this a few times before but I never knew why it wasn't a good idea. I don't know if it's because your muscles tighten anyway so stretching is pointless, or if it can actually be harmful.
 
I'm not sure the context in which you read this, but I'm almost positive they meant don't stretch while you're cold. Meaning you should do a very light cardio exercise for 5-10 minutes. Then stretch.
 
I agree with mreik....and to take it a step further, you should do a light jog or a warm-up with dynamic movements BEFORE you strech REGARDELESS if the weather or your body is hot OR cold :)
 
dont static stretch before a workout. dynamic stretch before a workout.
dynamic prepares the muscles and CNS for work.
Static stretching relaxes the muscles, which is no good if you need them.
 
Easton said:
What if the reason I stretch is to get my legs loose before I go for a mile jog.
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What I do when I am preparing to run, I do about 50 jumping jacks, and then I do things like high knees, butt-kicks, power skips, walking lunges, walking leg kicks/toe touches, carioca with emphasis on the leg swing, and hindu squats. After all that, the legs are good and warmed up and ready to stretch.

I have to add, I am not in favor of a lot of static stretching for myself personally. For me, it has always made me feel worse instead of better. So my "static" stretches only last for about 3 seconds......
 
Cold Stretch

Stretching before a warm-up will cause no harm. Just be smart about how you do it. Most people that have been injured stretching were probably doing something that was not very smart to begin with.

What if the reason I stretch is to get my legs loose before I go for a mile jog.
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dont static stretch before a workout. dynamic stretch before a workout.
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The stretching before a workout slowing the nervous system is only for explosive activities. A jog is not one of those activities.

If you feel better when you stretch first go ahead and do it. Your performance will not be negatively affected.
 
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Your muscles are like chewing gum. The stretch a little then break when they are cold and the stretch a much longer way before they break when warm.

Skipping might be an option before you run, got a rope?
 
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