Health: Stretching Before Exercising

Remember in gym class when the coach would make you stretch before we started whatever we had to do that day? Do you still stretch before you exercise because of that? Well, stop! A recent study has found that stretching before exercising is actually bad. Stretching a cold muscle actually makes it more likely to tear, and is less effective. It may also make the muscles contract and become shorter, the exact opposite of what you want.

Skip the static stretching before you exercise. Instead, try an active warm up before the exercise routine, regardless of whether it's cardio or weight training. An active warm up will prime the muscles and joints for movement, and it's easy to do, even a small jog or brisk walk will work as a warm up.