Flexible friend

Stretching is an important part of any work out, attending regular yoga or Pilates classes is a great addition to any fitness routine – whatever your goal. But the stretches you do pre and post workout are also key to looking after your body.

Trends change, years ago ballistic stretching was advised (bouncing movement), any trainer would now tell you that’s not good for you! There will always be debate but one thing remains true – stretching is good.

Pre-workout, use dynamic stretches – walking, rolling shoulders, swinging arms and legs and increasing the range of motion, it will warm you up without pulling or overstretching cold muscles. If you are heading off for a run, standing still while stretching out doesn’t make sense – walking while moving arms, then going into a jog, is a logical progression.

Don’t skip the post workout stretch. Once you’ve cooled down (decrease your intensity slowly, let your heart rate slow down), hold each static stretch for 15-30 seconds – remember to work through the whole body and it should help reduce DOMS.