How to Stretch Muscles After a Workout

Stretching your muscles after a workout is important to gain and maintain flexibility. This is particularly important in people who tend to work out a lot because the more flexible you are, the less likely you are to become injured. While stretching muscles before a workout has limited value, stretching afterward when the muscles are warm will yield the most benefits. Knowing how to stretch properly is important to avoid injury.

Instructions

    • 1

      Focus on the muscle groups that were worked out the most. For instance, if you have just completed a run, you will want to stretch your legs, while after doing push-ups and bench presses, you will want to stretch your arms.

    • 2

      Put a gentle stretch on the target muscle. Make sure your body is in good alignment when you do this to prevent injuring another part of your body.

    • 3

      Gradually change your position to continue to stretch the muscle until you can no longer stretch it comfortably.

    • 4

      Hold the stretch for at least 10 seconds and no longer than 20 seconds.

    • 5

      Stretch the same muscle on the other side of the body.

    • 6

      Repeat if desired, up to three times.