Final answer:
Static stretches after exercise prevent muscle soreness, improve flexibility, and aid in recovery, whereas pre-exercise static stretching might decrease power and performance. So, the correct answer is C.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is recommended to perform static stretches following exercise instead of before because this type of stretching helps prevent muscle soreness and improves flexibility. After physical activity, muscles are warm, making them more pliable and less susceptible to injury during stretching. Static stretches are designed to be done in a controlled environment to lengthen the muscle and improve the range of motion.
Performing static stretches before exercise when muscles are not properly warmed up can lead to a decreased performance in activities requiring power and may increase the risk of injuries such as muscle strains and tendonitis. A proper warm-up, which includes dynamic stretching and a low-intensity activity, helps increase blood flow and prepares muscles and tendons for the physical activity to come.
In contrast, static stretching after exercise can aid in recovery by alleviating muscle tightness and potentially helping to reduce the severity of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). While static stretches may not specifically enhance muscular power or aerobic capacity, they are key to maintaining overall muscle health and flexibility.