The New Science of Warm Up Stretches

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By Gina Senneca, AFAA Certified Personal Trainer

• Stretching sends a message to the brain forth muscle to relax.
• It is more beneficial to warm-up with light weights than stretch.
• Have you ever asked yourself the question "Should I do stretches prior to a weight training session?"

 
Recent studies have discovered that stretching is not the most beneficial warm-up before weight training.

Stretching sends a message to the brain for the muscle to relax.
 
This is not how you want to prepare the muscle to work. It is more beneficial to warm-up with light weights, duplicating the exact motion you will be performing.
 
For example: if chest presses will be your first exercise, begin with two sets of presses using light weights. This alerts the nerves and muscles as to the motion you intend to execute. You are then ready to press with your most challenging weight stack for three to four sets. Remember, always begin the session by targeting the largest muscle in the specific group you intend to train.
Rule of Thumb: Save your stretches for post work out.