When is the best time to stretch?

Most doctors suggest stretching at the end of your activity, when your muscles are warm. A five-minute slow walk or jog to warm up before each exercise session is recommended. The warm-up will raise your heart rate and core body temperature, as well as pump blood into the large muscle groups, getting them ready to work.

The cool-down phase of your activity is especially important in protecting you from exercise injury. Spend five minutes slowing your movements down to a gentle walk. This lowers your heart rate. Then take 10 minutes for a post-cool-down stretch. It's this step that many people skip but which can increase flexibility and help you injury-proof yourself.

The best time to stretch is early in the morning before you start your day. This sets the length of the muscle for the remainder of the day, allowing you to move more freely without restriction or pain. Perform dynamic stretches in the morning. These consist of bodyweight exercises such as prisoner squats, lunges, push-ups with a rotation, etc. In the evening, perform static stretching for the muscles you stretched in the morning. Hold each stretch for 30 seconds.