Stretching before exercising becomes more important as weather gets cooler

A woman stretching before exercising.
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KYW Newsradio’s Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross. 

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — We are getting to the time of year where stretching becomes more important than ever if you plan to exercise outdoors or if you're exercising indoors but coming in from the cold. 

Our muscles have been compared to Turkish taffy — rigid in need of being stretched to become more pliable. 

This is why the cold weather is such big a factor. Muscles need to be warmed up to avoid strains or even tears. 

Each year, we see patients who had the best intentions but didn't take the time to loosen up, so keep yourself safe by warming up before exercising.