1. Health

Discuss in my forum

Should I Stretch Before or After I Warm Up?

By , About.com Guide

Updated January 17, 2012

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Question: Should I Stretch Before or After I Warm Up?
"I've heard you should stretch before you run. What is the best time to stretch -- before or after warming-up?"
Answer: Always warm up before you stretch. It's a bad idea to stretch cold muscles. If your muscles aren't loosened up before you stretch, you're more at risk for pulling them.

Do about 5 to 10 minutes of light aerobic exercise to loosen up your muscles and warm you up for your run. Try walking briskly, jogging slowly, or cycling on a stationary bike. Make sure you don't rush your warm-up.

Also see: Video - How to Warm-up Before Running

©2012 About.com. All rights reserved.

A part of The New York Times Company.

We comply with the HONcode standard
for trustworthy health
information: verify here.