i sometimes wondered when the best time to stretch was.
. I always hear people talking about before and after stretching. but never heard this.. i'll have to give it at try.
That's very interesting, thanks for the info.
Now to figure out how to fit into the schedule a separate stretching and working out time! lol.... ;)
A good rule of thumb is to never stretch a cold muscle; you are inviting injury. Stretching your body, upper and lower, can be done during your wamup by focusing and stretching your arms, shoulders, core, and legs as you progress through your warm up.
After your workout is the ideal time to stretch. You can do upper body stretches in the pool and in the shower, back and lower body stretches can also be done on the pool, on the deck, or on the floor. Stretching is a key to continued success and very important as we age and continue to train and compete. If you can't stretch immediately after your workout, try to incorporate it sometime in your day. Just remember, never stretch a cold muscle.
Nancy
Not necessarily. One can warm up one's muscles in a number of ways other than swimming a workout. Climb some stairs, walk briskly for a few minutes, jump rope, jumping jacks, bands, etc., anything that gets your body and muscles in a state that isn't sedentary or inactive.
Nancy
Interesting stuff. I have been keeping my stretches to a minimum, especially upper body, but I might just forget about pre-swim stretching and try to stretch once or twice a day long before I hit the pool. Often times I think that stretching before I swim just loosens up my shoulder and invites more discomfort into the mix.
Some coaches have their swimmers stretch, I have even see their swimmers doing duck walks around the pool. One team in particular does a lot of this and most of their swimmers have shouder injuries and knee problems. I prefer to have swimmers do swimming warmups.
George
