Yes, it’s best to warm muscles by beginning with light activity prior to stretching. In our work situations, the employees would typically have been moving and “warming up” as they have arrived at the barn, walked from their cars/trucks to meeting area, gathered work gear, etc. The shoulder circles and arm circles that are part of the Stretch & Flex standard routine serve as a rhythmic warm-up for upper body, while walking warms lower extremities. It’s important to move around and stretch again after a period of inactivity such as breaks and lunch time.
Is it safe to stretch cold muscles? Are we supposed to warm up before we stretch?
Yes, it’s best to warm muscles by beginning with light activity prior to stretching. In our work situations, the employees would typically have been moving and “warming up” as they have arrived at the barn, walked from their cars/trucks to meeting area, gathered work gear, etc. The shoulder circles and arm circles that are part of the Stretch & Flex standard routine serve as a rhythmic warm-up for upper body, while walking warms lower extremities. It’s important to move around and stretch again after a period of inactivity such as breaks and lunch time.