Stretching after working out is a highly recommended practice. The benefits of stretching before a workout are often discussed, emphasizing its role in injury prevention. When you stretch after a workout, you benefit from both physiological and psychological effects.

Physical Benefits of Stretching after Working Out

When you work out, lactic acid builds up in your muscles. This often leads to muscle soreness and fatigue. Stretching after a workout helps to reduce muscle fatigue. When you stretch after a workout, your muscles are warm and you benefit from increased blood circulation.

Stretching will help your muscles to recover faster from a tough workout. Muscle soreness is one of the reasons that many people skip exercising. When you stretch, the likelihood is much higher that you will proceed with your next workout and prevent future injury.

Psychological Benefits of Stretching after Working Out

When you stretch after working out, your mind has a chance to tune into how your body is feeling. You breathe through a stretch and pay attention to any aches and pains in your body. The mind-body connection is important for relaxation and stress relief. Stretching is known to calm the nerves and relax the mind.

Stretching in the cool down portion of your workout is a very healthy practice for both the body and the mind.