I can't help but notice a lot of people just leaving after a big WOD. I wanted to use this forum as I time to point a few benefits of stretching not only before, but after your workout. This is in no way the responsibility of our trainers. They do not need to chase us up to finish with stretching, it should be an automatic process that we handle ourselves - targeting our own problem areas. 

Respectively, you can do what ever you wish with this information. I just know for me, it is nice to know why I am taking time out to do a little extra. Love, 

Karina

THE WHY? to Stretch

After a workout, muscles naturally contract. Stretching prevents them from shrinking. It allows your muscles to rebuild, growing bigger and stronger, and thus allowing you to get the full benefit from your efforts. Stretching after exercise also relaxes your muscles, helps speed circulation to joints and tissues (increasing blood flow to the muscle), and aids in the removal of unwanted waste products, thereby reducing muscle soreness and stiffness. 

Stretching adds mental sharpness and you have all the reasons you need to make sure stretching comes not only before, but after every workout as well.

BENEFITS!

Stretching can help improve flexibility. Which improves your performance in physical activities & decreases your risk of injuries by helping your joints move through their full range of motion. It also increases blood flow to the muscle.

CONSISTENCY...

Keep up with your stretching. Stretching can be time-consuming. But you can achieve the best benefits by stretching regularly, at least two to three times a week. If you don't stretch regularly, you risk losing any benefits that stretching offered. For instance, if stretching helped you increase your range of motion, and you stop stretching, your range of motion may decrease again.

See you all at the box!! :-)