Why do some exercise scientists recommend stretching after a workout?
‘When the temperature of muscles is higher than normal, stiffness decreases and extensibility increases,’ says Alter. ‘Athletes who want to maintain or enhance their flexibility can partially achieve that goal by stretching when their body temperature has been elevated, making it safer and more productive than when at a normal level. Lyle J Micheli MD says that stretching for five minutes after exercise prevents muscles from tightening too quickly. He suggests that athletes go through an abbreviated version of the stretches performed before an activity. Should stretching exercises be the same for healthy athletes and those recovering from injuries? No. Shrier and Gossal warn that injuries affect the stretching properties of muscles. Injured athletes may require stretches to be held longer to increase range of motion. Does the application of ice or heat have an effect on stretching? Warming up a muscle before stretch or using ice during static and ballistic stretches can increase the ra
