Stretching prior to lifting?

Do you stretch prior to lifting?  why or why not?

yes, it loosens up the muscles, which can help prevent cramping? google it!

No not really, I'll warm up with a light set then stretch just a tiny bit to continue on to my regular sets.  Stretching loosens your muscles and you might not be able to lift as much as you can with your muscles tight.

I run half a mile every time before a work out to get the blood flowing, then im pretty good after that, except on lower body day, i stretch for about 10min

[QUOTE=smallwonder809;42533]Stretching loosens your muscles and you might not be able to lift as much as you can with your muscles tight.[/QUOTE]

This is exactly what I heard.  thats why i made this thread.  

Everytime I ask people this exact question, people go on and on about using light weights to warm up...when i asked about stretching lol

And eat a banana afterwards!

Before workouts. I walk 5 min on the treadmill and then stretch. Lift weights and then finish it off with 1 hour of cardio. Body isn't tight and I am relaxed. Always stretch just as you would warm up a car for about 40 sec.

i strech my upper body before i do push ups.... i practically do differnt formation of push ups and thats it........ meh. strech before you work out to avoid pulling/straining a muscle from the stress of going from 0 weights to 80lb of weights.

Before the workout you should do some type of warmup excersise. During the workout drink plenty of water and I usually stretch a little in between sets. This way you stay more flexible after the workout and don't feel so stiff. After the workout you should consume more than just a banana. You need some protein. Banana works great before the workout because it goes through your system pretty fast.

Hmm, how about trying a day of stretching and not stretching for another day before your lifts.  See how that turns out.  Is there a certain exercise you're referring to or are you just talking about stretching in general?

no certain exercise..  just stretching in general before lifting weights.