When is the best time to do flexibility exercises?
Many people wake up in the morning tight from sleeping in one position or with very little movement for an extended period of time. My older clients are especially prone to this morning soreness and tightness. My recommendation to them is to do some gentle range of motion movements such as ankle circles, leg slides with a knee bend, and knee to chest right in bed, or on the floor directly after getting up in the morning. Finger, hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder range of motion exercises can also be done in this way. The operative word here is gentle…like getting some WD40 on stiff joints.
Many “old school” coaches and athletes still believe that deep static stretching is necessary before participating in their sport or fitness program. Modern theory is that dynamic range of motion and “like motion” exercises are better to warm up muscles prior to exercise, and then deeper, more intense flexibility work is beneficial after a workout.