How long does it take you to do a full body stretching routine?

[imsuxok?]

I just started doing cardio and stretching about a week ago. My first full body stretching session totaled about 1 hour and 15 minutes. It took me a while to learn the mechanics of each stretch and figure out how to properly isolate each muscle. Now that I'm a bit more proficient, I've managed to shorten my routine to about 35-45 minutes, but I still feel that this is a bit too long. So, I'm interested in knowing how much time you spend on a full body stretch and if you have any tips for speeding things up.

[JeremyLikness]

I think 1 hour is awesome!!!! If you have a compressed schedule, then cutting back to 15 - 20 minutes is fine but spending up to 3 sets of 30 - 45 seconds per stretch is, in my opinion, the way to work towards.

Jeremy

[marcus]

It depends on why you are stretching. If its just for a warm up then 10-15 mins is sufficient. If its to improve flexibility then 1 hour 15 mins is great.Try and do as much as you can fit into your schedule with the minimum time being around 30 mins. When I did Yoga we would usually go for 90 mins but occasionally we'd do sessions of 2 and a half hours or more and we still had heaps of poses we missed out on. Because it is so time consuming many people neglect flexibility training but IMO it is one of the most important fitness components. Keep it up

Marcus

[woeisemma]

I do 45 min of stretching but I am only targeting my back and legs.

Originally Posted by marcus

It depends on why you are stretching. If its just for a warm up then 10-15 mins is sufficient. If its to improve flexibility then 1 hour 15 mins is great.Try and do as much as you can fit into your schedule with the minimum time being around 30 mins. When I did Yoga we would usually go for 90 mins but occasionally we'd do sessions of 2 and a half hours or more and we still had heaps of poses we missed out on. Because it is so time consuming many people neglect flexibility training but IMO it is one of the most important fitness components. Keep it up

Marcus

[karatetricker]

I just would like to say you should be somewhat "warm" before stretching. 5 minutes at a slow pace on the bike or treadmill would suffice.

I usually stretch for 5-10 mins just to loosen up. When I used to stretch for flexibility, I'd stretch anywhere from 30-60 minutes/day. Usually before my martial arts classes, during and then again after. You gain the most flexilbility when stretching during and after a workout.

[CrysmBug]

I didn't know stretching was so important - I will start adding it into my schedule.

[jRS]

Old topic, but..
If you stretch that long, wont you get cold and be more prone to injury?
Otherwise my stretching is waaay to short! I do 1min on three different stretches (legs and back). To losen up I do more different stretches and only hold for 20sec

I've seen the kickboxing group and they only stretch 5min after their warm up?...

[JeremyLikness]

Originally Posted by jRS

Old topic, but..
If you stretch that long, wont you get cold and be more prone to injury?
Otherwise my stretching is waaay to short! I do 1min on three different stretches (legs and back). To losen up I do more different stretches and only hold for 20sec

I've seen the kickboxing group and they only stretch 5min after their warm up?...

If you are stretching using certain styles, you will maintain your warmth and elevated heart rate because the stretching itself can burn calories. I typically take 20 minutes just to stretch one part of my body (upper or lower) so it is much longer when I'm doing both halves. I do warm up before stretching.

I focus on stretching BEFORE the workout because that's what my Ian King advises, and with his experience and "resume of athletes" (professionals and Olympians) I'm prone to follow his advice!

Jeremy

[Skoorb]

I used to do some stretching pre-set, but recently hmm I've done absolutely none.