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- What are the best practices for stretching before and after exercise

Sure! Here are three different takes on the best practices for stretching before and after exercise:

**Pre-Workout Stretching**: Before you hit the gym, it’s awesome to do some dynamic stretches. Think leg swings, arm circles, or walking lunges. They get your blood flowing and warm up your muscles. After your workout, go for static stretches like holding a hamstring stretch or a quad stretch for about 15-30 seconds. This helps with recovery and flexibility!

**Warm-Up Routine**: Before working out, I like to do some light cardio for about 5-10 minutes—like jogging or jumping jacks—to get my heart rate up. Then, I’ll do some dynamic stretches like high knees or butt kicks. After my workout, I make sure to cool down with static stretches to really relax those muscles and prevent soreness.