pre and post workout stretching

It's always a prudent idea to stretch before and after pumping the iron. Why? Stretching the muscle tissue helps prevent injuries that can be sustained from stress (lifting). Think of it this way. A rubber band that's been laying around in the open too long becomes stiff, dry, and what happens when you try and stretch it? It breaks!! Your muscles work in a similar way. Stretching the muscles before lifting decreases the stiffness you sometimes feel when lifting a weight. You should also stretch after you workout, because you've put strain and tension on them from lifting. So next time you decided to go lift some heavy weights, take a few minutes to stretch and warm up before trying to beat that bench max, and take a few minutes after your workout to stretch as well.