Beth Skwarecki is Lifehacker’s Senior Health Editor, and holds certifications as a personal trainer and weightlifting coach. She has been writing about health for over 10 years. August 6, 2026 Add as ...

Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. As you head into the gym, you likely already have a workout plan in mind. Maybe you're taking a light jog on the treadmill, or you ...

For many people of a certain age, high school gym class began with reaching for their toes. Then, over the years, we were told it was better to stretch after exercise. It turns out, both those things ...

You’ve seen it in every fitness class, sports movie, and gym session. People touching their toes, pulling their arms across their chests, and lunging side to side before their workout begins. Static ...

That pre-workout stretching routine you learned in high school gym class might be sabotaging your performance more than helping it. For decades, fitness culture has promoted stretching myths that ...

Why should we stretch at all? According to personal trainer Desiree Lethaus, stretching has a range of benefits for the body, including better posture, improved flexibility, and better mobility.

Stretching supports mobility, but proper training and progression are more important for preventing injuries. Use dynamic stretches before exercising to warm up muscles and improve performance. Use ...

A new wave of research is showing what the old gym myths about stretching got wrong—and what you really need to do to reap its benefits. Some fitness experts recommend stretching before a workout, ...

Editor’s note: Before beginning any new exercise program, consult your doctor. Stop immediately if you experience pain. As you head into the gym, you likely already have a workout plan in mind. Maybe ...

For many people of a certain age, high school gym class began with reaching for their toes. Then, over the years, we were told it was better to stretch after exercise. It turns out, both those things ...