How to Stretch Properly – 5 Do’s and Don’ts of Stretching

Stretching properly will enhance your running and fitness experience.  Inside Tuscaloosa Running shares the do's and don'ts of stretching.

Tuscaloosa Track Club President, Ed Freeman breaks the 5 most important stretching tips:

5 STRETCHING DO'S AND DON'TS:

1. Never overstretch: You can do more harm than good, if a little is good more is not necessarily better
2. Never stretch cold muscles:  Before you run do an active stretch, basically just limber up a bit.
3. Don’t stretch sore or injured limbs.
4. Don’t bounce.
5. Always stretch a bit after your run before you totally cool down while your muscles are still warm.

Okay, you have the stretching tips.  You may still be thinking, why stretch? It really breaks down how it can help

WHY SHOULD YOU STRETCH:

• It can help improve athletic performance
• It can help decrease risk of injuries

Those two main factors make spending a little time stretching before and after your workout well worth it!