Stretching is an important but often overlooked part of a balanced fitness program and should be done at the end of a workout, NOT BEFORE to reap the following benefits:

• Improves your ability to use full and normal range of motion
• Helps prevent injury
• Helps maintain ideal body alignment and improves performance
• Reduces stress

For many years people have been using stretching as a part of their warm up before their work out.  However, recent research has suggested that it is in fact counterproductive, reducing performance and increasing the chances of injury.  It is far better to stretch at the end of a workout, as a part of your cool down when muscles are properly warm. Static stretching is where you hold the position for 10-30 seconds and should be done at the end of your workout.  It is the safest and most effective method but should not cause you discomfort.  You can stretch every day after exercise.