Stretching provides for a greater range of motion and flexibility. A pigeon pose can be a great post-workout stretch for hip flexors and glutes. Natalya Ugryumova/iStockphoto/Getty Images.

Stretching the abs relieves post-workout soreness, improves posture and counteracts the effects of sitting all day.

Likewise, if you do not usually stretch before a workout or a run, then don’t. “Inconsistent warm-ups can lead to greater injury risk,” Kay said. Never stretch an injured muscle.

How you start and end your workout can make a difference in how you feel. Here’s when to use dynamic and static stretches to improve your fitness routine.

Stretching provides for a greater range of motion and flexibility. A pigeon pose can be a great post-workout stretch for hip flexors and glutes. Natalya Ugryumova/iStockphoto/Getty Images.

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’re working on some bicep curls on arm’s day. To get the most out of ...

The pigeon pose is a static stretch Houlin highly recommended for post-workout. You’re on the ground with your front leg in a 90-degree bend at the knee with the back leg extended behind you.

The pigeon pose is a static stretch Houlin highly recommended for post-workout. You’re on the ground with your front leg in a 90-degree bend at the knee with the back leg extended behind you.

How you start and end your workout can make a difference in how you feel. Here’s when to use dynamic and static stretches to improve your fitness routine.

By Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, CNN (CNN) — 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’re working on some ...

The pigeon pose is a static stretch Houlin highly recommended for post-workout. You’re on the ground with your front leg in a 90-degree bend at the knee with the back leg extended behind you.