What do you do to loosen up, not feel so tight and rigid all the time?

[sandiegoguy]

I love lifting weights but I find that the more I do it the more awkward I feel day to day as I just seem stiff and it makes me move kind of awkwardly. I don't do much stretching or much else to loosen up, mainly because I don't know what to do. I would appreciate input on what you do to loosen up your muscles, whether its going to a massage or doing specific stretches, etc.

[HALON]

Before you start you workout with weights do some light cardio for ten minutes, once your warmed up do a some full body stretches, to gain flexability hold your stretch for 1 minute. During your workout make sure you go through the full range of motion for each exercise, to prevent your muscles from geting tight. You can repeat your stretches after you finished with your workout. On your off days from the gym, you can also do a workout at home just for stretches.

If your muscles are stiff the next day after a workout, try doing some light exercise or cardio, this can help. Massage is also good to loosen up muscles.

[GreyGeese]

Get a book on how to do stretches. I have been doing Hatha Yoga (a rigorous stretching routine) for most of my life. It really helps me stay loose.

[Jake57]

I'll second that suggestion on yoga. You might also try a routine chiropractic adjustment. Otherwise, stretch.

[sandiegoguy]

I think maybe going to a chiropractor or a massage therapist every now and then could help in addition to the stretching, does anyone else do anything in the water such as swimming or stretching? I used to do this and it seemed to help I think I will start again.

[Chrome Face]

I love lifting weights but I find that the more I do it the more awkward I feel day to day as I just seem stiff and it makes me move kind of awkwardly. I don't do much stretching or much else to loosen up, mainly because I don't know what to do. I would appreciate input on what you do to loosen up your muscles, whether its going to a massage or doing specific stretches, etc.

Running intervals or other low intensity work is valuable to flush out the muscles and aid in recovery.