Why does stretching feel so good?
104640
Weightlifters that look like they are carrying suitcases in both hands all the time usually become that way because they don't stretch. Stretching relieves tension and "loosens up" your muscles while gradually creating a greater range of extension of your arms/legs etc.
1006623
the best is Hyperextensions (Back Extensions) I do is almost everyday and already feel my back stronger and stronger....\n\nTips: Lie face down on a hyperextension bench, tucking your ankles securely under the footpads. Adjust the upper pad if possible so your upper thighs lie flat across the wide pad, leaving enough room for you to bend at the waist without any restriction. Start with your body in a straight line. Cross your arms in front of you or behind your head. You can also hold a weight for extra resistance. Slowly bend forward at the waist as far as you can while keeping your back FLAT. Do not round your back. Slowly raise your torso until your legs and upper body are in a straight line again. Do NOT arch your back past a straight line!
1085594
Not at all, it feels really good. You should just try it, trust me!
877816
it works, but remember you have to warm up first.  this is really important if you dont want to get injured.  I would recomend stretching only aftrer you finish your workout.
368477
I am a tennis player and when stretching after a workout you should do static stretches and hold them for 20-30 seconds. Also before working out you should do a dynamic workout (where you are moving not standing still). If you want to know some dynamic stretches email me and i will see if i can find some online for you
701347
It's good that you are remembering to stretch! Many people don't which results in pulls muscles and more.\n\nA little run or jog, lunges, and toe-touches on the ground (reaching for your toes while legs are stretched like a triangle, or pike stretch, reaching for your toes, legs together) are great to warm up your legs.
1056791
yea you should stretch as often as you can in a comfortable postition where you have slight tension but not pain..this sight has some tips http://health.ivillage.com/active/astretch/topics/0,,4vgg,00.html
433646
After the body had been in a fixed position for a long time, suddenly stretching out helps in better blood circulation. The tissues get more oxygen and are refreshed.
415920
wow!! don't listen to that guy that answered before me.  First of all you don't get sore from working out if you don't stretch. Stretching has nothing to do with it!!  The reason you are sore is because when you do excersises you are "tearing" the muscles.  That is what makes them sore!  But its good for them to tear, that is what you want to happen.  The reason is that when your body repairs those torn muscle fibers they repair them even stronger than before.  Thats why people get stronger when they lift weights and exercise. The more you tear them the stronger you will be.  \nAnd yes the harder you workout the sorer you will be but thats not necessarily a bad thing.  Its good if thats all your doing is "tearing" the muscles.  Now if you pull something on the other hand then that is bad.  But from your question I don't think thats what happened.  \nAnd yes its fine to workout 2 days after your last one.  Its best to leave at least a day of rest before you work that same muscle group again so that it will have time to repair completely.  Actually today just work out a different set of muscles and then go back to your back tomorrow or the next day.  \nYou should stretch but thats just to get your muscles warmed up so that when you put strain on them you won't seriously injure anything!\nAlso if your a beginner and thats why you have a trainer then I would recommend getting a book instead.  You will learn more and its way cheaper. If you are a male then I would recommend buying a book put out by Men's Health. They have a really good one called the "hard-body plan".  Its worth it.  Buy it at amazon and get it used for cheap!
868511
Before and after is fine if you are doing just normal static stretching (holding it in one place).  If you are doing more advanced stretching you need to be properly warmed up first.\n\nStretching "cold" muscles will not lead to long term gains in flexibility, rather it will lend temporary flexibility in the muscles which may help prevent some injuries.
616727
Traditionally, it's performed on a padded floor mat instead of on a table; the client stays fully dressed and no oil is used. The practitioner adjusts to your level of flexibility and fitness. It works wonders to improve flexibility, release toxins and unravel your gnarliest knots. When it's over, you'll feel really, really good – in a revved-up, high-on-life kind of way.
986041
doing a quick workout and stretching routine.  Do 100 jumping jacks in a row without stopping.. walk for 5 minutes, or do a bunch of lunges.  Then spend 5 minutes stretching.  Force yourself through the exercise and by the time you get to stretching you will feel more awake and within your body.  Doing this reminds you of your body and puts you back in its place in a way.  While you stretch really feel your muscles and mentally think of where they are in your head.  by the time you get up to start walking for your task you will feel alot more into it
151161
I feel better when I exercise and yoga is good too
854493
Yes, it's best to do yoga stretches with running in order to get flexibility. Do some leg stretches. Go to google images and press in  yoga or stretches. You'll feel great mentally and physically. Always take deep breaths when stretching. It will take away any tension in your body.
428656
No it does not. please dont do it.  You can increase your flexibility in less than a week.  Concentrate on a certain part on your body.   Sitting on the floor, with legs together try to touch your toes.  Notice how far you can go.  Hold it as far as you can & reach for a count of 10 and release.  Do it again but a little further.  If you cant go further keep doing that until you feel comfortable pushing it. Do this daily.  After a short while you will be able to stretch a lot further.  Try the same thing standing up (if you can keep your balance)  I used to be a cheerleader in highschool and college.  During the off time it was easy to "tighten up" again.  Keep at it.  The same concept works with arms and back areas.  Good luck.
590306
Yes!! many!!..it increases blood circulation giving more oxygen to the muscles, helps muscles before and after sports so that they are prepared and properly stretched to help avoid injury, eases tension in high stress areas (neck, lower back, feet) aids in digestion, joint mobility can be increased, helps relieve muscle spasms...can be stimulating or sedative...there are contraindications to giving/receiving a massage so ask your massage therapist!!....be well Duch
561456
You should always stretch from head to toe and back.  Before lifting you should stretch your neck by doing neck circles and then to shoulders with arms extended circles and then down the body with torso rotations and then thighs with toe touches and calves.  After your lifting reverse the order, you feel alivened afterwards.