You started with adynamic warm-up, crushed atreadmill run, and are ready to hit the shower.
Before you do, spend a few minutes doing these stretches for flexibility.
Why should you stretch after a cardio workout?
Savanna Ruedy
AsSELF has previously reported, stretching post-workout gives your body a chance to cool down properly.
to the next (less intense!).
Focusing on stretches for flexibility post-workout is typically recommended over doing them beforehand.
Savanna Ruedy
Theres no better time for warm muscles and tendons than right after asweaty cardio workout.
What are the best stretches to do after a cardio workout?
In general, you want to focus on stretching the muscles you just used in your workout.
Kelsey McClellan
After a cardio workout, that probably means your lower-body muscles.
Even your upper back and shoulders might feel fatigued.
They, too, just worked hard helping you to maintaincorrect upright posture.
Savanna Ruedy
So, theres no reason not to take advantage of your whole body being warm and primed for flexibility.
Hold each one for at least 30 seconds to get the best benefits.
Frog Stretch
The frog stretch targets the hip flexor muscles and inner thigh muscles.
Kelsey McClellan
Runners Lunge to Side Lunge
This lunge combo stretches your hip flexors, quads, and hamstrings.
Thread the Needle
This stretch gently rotates the spine while also stretching the side and back of the shoulder.
Heel Drop
The heel drop stretches the Achilles tendon and the gastrocnemius and soleus calf muscles.
Katie Thompson
Piriformis Stretch
The piriformis stretch gently rotates and stretches the spine.
It also stretches the muscles in the outer hips and glutes, including the piriformis muscle.
Pretzel Stretch
The pretzel stretch stretches the quads, glutes, obliques, hips, and spine.
Savanna Ruedy
Savanna Ruedy
