When I look at people who exercise, I see lots of people stretching before exercise, or straight after their warmup, before starting the real part of the exercise. I especially do see that with runners.

Body builders and people trying to develop muscle mass, already know that stretching before the main exercise part is detrimental to their goals.

During my studies to become a Personal Trainer some years ago, we also had a session on stretching after the warmup. The main understanding for doing so was that stretching before starting to exercise will help prevent injury.

A new research performed in the US and focusing mainly on runners, did find that stretching before exercise does not help prevent injury !

However, the same research did find that people who suddenly stopped stretching, while having stretched normally, did injure themselves more, than those who never stretched. Same for those who suddenly started to stretch when they never did before.

So if you're used to stretch before exercising, do continue and do so. However, if you never did, or just started exercising, don't bother stretching. Don't change your routine as this will definitely cause injury.

Obviously, don't stop your warmup and mobilisation routine, as this is very important before starting the main part of your exercise routine.

If you're not sure on what to do, feel free to get in touch with me, Anne Iarchy, Personal Trainer North and North West London, on 07880627944 or email me at anne@barnetpersonaltrainer.co.uk