Stretching/exercises while at work?

[savedbygrace]

This is probably gonna sound like a dumb question but I've started back into karate for about 2 months now. Needless to say I'm working on my stretching. Right now we are only having class one night a week. I, fortunatly,sometimes have time during lunch break to do a lil strectching. Would/could it be beneifical to continue to stretch on days of class? I notice sometimes on days I stretch at work....when I get off work I'm a lil stiff, so I'm wondering if I should wait until its time for class. Any comments/suggestions? Thanks

[Sohan]

It's always beneficial to stretch, but make sure your muscles are warmed up properly, or you could cause microtrauma to your muscle fibers that may manifest in a more serious injury down the road.

That's likely the reason you're stiff later after stretching during the day. You are stretching "cold" muscles that aren't as pliable and creating an inflammation response to the minor damage you are doing to yourself. Warmup at work the best you can with light calisthenic movements and keep your stretches moderate--not as intense as you would after MA class.

With respect,

Sohan

[gheinisch]

As Sohan said above, keep your stretching at work light and don't try and over do it. Not sure what kind of work you do but if it involves sitting in front of a computer most the day your muscles can become stiff and trying to stretch them all out during a break can cause tears. Stretching is great if done properly, slow and gradual increases is the best way to go. Glad to hear you've started back into Karate. Good Luck.

[savedbygrace]

Thank you for your comments. It makes alot of sense.

[cathal]

Something you can do is stretch and then when you go back to it periodically assume a stance for 5 minutes. That will help to strengthen your legs as well.

[bushido_man96]

It is ok to stretch cold, just don't overdo it. Also, things like leg swings and stuff like that might be good, too. Same thing, don't overdo it.

Sitting in a chair and doing front kicks and side kicks is a different exercise you could try as well.

[jaymac]

One of the ways I have found to warm up my body before stretching at work is to run stairs while on a break, but remember to take deodorant

[bat in a birdless village]

At my last job, I was chosen as "stretch leader" in a program made to get workers to stretch before they hit the job. Stretching has been proven to reduce injuries, particularly in manufactoring environments, and I tend to believe studies that show that.

Anyway about it, safe stretching could not hurt you, only help you in the short and long run.

bat

[kikr]

Try to do some light warm up before any stretching, even if its a walk down the hall. Go slowly, no ballistic stretching. It is definately a good idea to stretch everyday, its the most important facet of the physical training. Good luck

[KarateK]

As I am soooo busy at work I dont have time to stretch