Get Up Get Active | Why stretching is fundamental to each workout

Do you ever feel like you put stretching on the back burner when you probably shouldn't? You just want to dive right into the workout. Ditching stretches is something we’ve all done, but it’s an excellent warmup and cooldown.

Fitness trainer Josh Houseknecht says many people just want to get in and out of a gym quickly, but it should be a fundamental part of every workout.

"It's going to help increase a lot of our flexibility, it’s going to help us increase a lot of that range of motion, and it's going to help us with our balance,” Josh Houseknecht explains.

Stretching also activates the muscles and prepares them for the work you’re about to put in. Another fantastic benefit of stretching is that it can help maintain and improve posture.

"You have to do it at least two to three times a week for you to get that awesome effectiveness out of the stretching,” said Houseknecht.

Stretching does not mean taking a break or winding down, as it can be challenging and an actual workout by itself. Stretching's important, but the good news with stretching is you can also do other activities, like catching up on some reading.

DON'T FORGET TO STRETCH!