Stretching question...

[Mommy Robot]

I joined a weight loss challenge at a local gym. I'm hoping this is just the motivation and accountability I need to meet my goals. Tonight is my first workout with a trainer. I've trained with him in the past (had to stop training for bad personal reasons) and he is TOUGH! It's going to be an incredibly intense, challenging workout.

Unfortunately, he doesn't do any kind of pre-workout stretching. I hurt myself while I was training with him last time because I didn't stretch.....Problem is, I have NO CLUE!!! what I should be doing to stretch before a workout.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!

[seagirl]

You generally shouldn't stretch before working out, but you should warm up. Walk a few laps around the gym, swing your arms, get the blood flowing. Stretch afterwards. And tell him if anything is hurting so you don't injure yourself again.

[nelie]

Well you shouldn't really stretch before a workout but you should warm up a bit. If you are at a gym, get on a treadmill or elliptical for a few minutes, do some squats, do some pushups, etc prior to your workout. Just enough to get your muscles warm and blood pumping a little.

[peanutt]

Generally I've heard/read that you shouldn't necessarily be stretching the muscles before a workout, but rather loosening them and warming them up. Think swinging arms, side to side steps or walking, arm circles and raises....that sort of thing to warm up.

I'd probably start off by talking to the trainer and letting him know that the last time you did exercise X, it hurt you and how. He should be able to ensure that you're ready to do that exercise and that you're using correct form.

Good luck!

[Mommy Robot]

Wow! I never knew that, Thank you!! I'll make sure I just warm up a little bit.