4 Stretches to Do Before You Work Out

You head into one of the best gyms Tallahassee has to offer, and you’re ready to pump some iron or burn through a HIIT workout. Before you get started, make sure you take some time to warm up your body and stretch. Stretching before exercising can help prevent injuries while also priming your joints, muscles, and ligaments for the hard workout. Here are four stretches to do before every workout. 

The Lying Pectoral Stretch

The pectoral stretch is one of the most common stretches for the shoulders and chest. You can help loosen your pecs and prevent injuries by doing pectoral stretches before bench pressing or any other heavy chest movement. One way to do this at the gym is to start by lying down. First, interlock your fingers behind your head. Then, draw your elbows back towards the floor to “open up” your chest. Do this slowly, and you can help get your pecs warmed up and ready for some heavy lifting.

Hamstring Stretch for Flexibility and Mobility

With a hamstring stretch, you can help improve your mobility and flexibility in your lower back and legs. Start by standing straight with one leg behind you, slightly bent. Put your hands on the hip of the bent leg and start leaning forward gently. Stop when you can feel the stretch. Hold the stretch there for 15 seconds, and then switch legs. Keep your back straight during the stretch. This is an essential step before leg day, especially if you plan on doing deadlifts or leg curls.

Happy Baby Stretch to Relieve Back Pain

The happy baby pose is a great way to relieve back pain, especially after exercising at the best Miami gyms, but it can also help you loosen up before the workout. Get on your back and bend your knees. Lift your legs while keeping your knees bent at 90 degrees. Your feet should now be parallel to the ceiling. Hold either the inside or outside edges of your feet and point your toes to the ceiling. Next, push your knees out from each other as far as they will go. Keep your heels off the ground and feet together. Slowly lower your knees towards the floor while relaxing your shoulders. Keep your head and neck on the ground. Hold this position while taking 5 to 10 breaths.

Kneeling Lunge for All-Around Leg Mobility

The kneeling lunge stretch is perfect if you want to warm up your leg muscles before a comprehensive leg workout. It can help improve your circulation, blood flow, and flexibility. Kneel on one knee while keeping your back straight. Your front foot should be flat on the ground. Lean forward. Stop when you feel a stretch in your quads. You want to keep your knees over or behind your toes. Hold the stretch between 10 and 30 seconds before returning to a standing position. Repeat with your other leg.

About YouFit Gyms

YouFit Gyms has something for everyone. From small group fitness classes to grass-like turf, pickleball courts, and personalized nutritional help, YouFit Gyms wants to empower your fitness journey and help you have fun working out. With state-of-the-art equipment and amenities at their West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and St Petersburg FL gyms, along with the best gyms Tampa has to offer, YouFit has everything you need to hit your fitness goals. You can connect with the community in small group classes or receive individual attention in an affordable personal training session. YouFit even provides childcare at the Tot Spot and offers a variety of different membership levels to fit your needs.

Try these pre-workout stretches at YouFit and join today at https://youfit.com/

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