8 Dos and Don’ts Of Treating a Burn

Everything You Need To Know About Stretching During A Workout

1. Why to Stretch: It’s not just for gym rats. According to Tipps, all of us, no matter how athletically inclined, should be incorporating stretching into our schedules.

“Many people ignore stretching when working out or just as a daily routine,” she says. “Stretching has an array of health benefits that serve as building blocks for longevity and physical well-being.”

Stretching increases flexibility, which improves range of motion in addition to improving workouts, and it delays the effects of atrophy later in life. It also aids posture and relieves stress. In terms of exercising, stretching has advantages both pre- and post-workout.

“Stretching increases blood flow to the muscles and improves your circulation,” explains Tipps. Because of this, failing to stretch beforehand can result in injury, and neglecting to do it afterward can lead to enhanced soreness and a longer recovery period. You’re also making yourself more susceptible to pain, inflammation, and tension in general, Tipps warns.

2. When to Stretch: Most people are at least vaguely aware of the benefits of stretching, but a lot of confusion surrounds when to actually do it during a workout. Contrary to popular belief, the heavy-duty stretching should be reserved for when you’ve finished exercising.

“After your workout is a better time to stretch with more dedication,” Tipps confirms. “Your muscles are tense, and they are tired and stressed in a good way. So stretching can help relieve that tension and reduce the soreness that results from working a muscle.”

Allot 10-15 minutes for these post-sweat stretches. Before your workout, simply stretch lightly, keeping the time to less than 10 minutes.

“Ease your muscles into the idea that you will be challenging them to perform,” Tipps instructs.

3. What to Stretch: Both of these stretch seshes should always address your arms, legs, and back, regardless of what areas that workout focuses on.

“There are different parts to each of these areas, so concentrate on those that your workout calls for that day, but don’t neglect everything else altogether either,” advises Tipps. “Remember, a lot of workout routines include compound exercises, which are multi-joint movements that work several muscles at one time.”

Although stretching might initially seem like yet another chore to add to your to-do list, its benefits are invaluable enough to no longer ignore. As Tipps encourages, “Stretch regularly, and over time you will reap the benefits and maintain your mobility.”

How do you stretch when working out?

There are quite a few stretches you can do when working out depending on what your body needs. No matter what you end up going with, remember not to force it — stretching should, well, stretch your muscles, but it shouldn't be painful! Check out these Pro Tips To Reach Your 2024 Fitness Goals, The Best At-Home Workouts, and 9 Easy Stretches You Can Do To Exercise At Your Desk for more ideas!

Is it better to stretch during or after a workout?

Nichole Tipps recommends saving your more intense stretches for after a workout. But don't be afraid to do a few easy stretches beforehand!

Imagine sipping Champagne above a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, or indulging in a heavenly spa treatment with the Manhattan skyline in view. Even if your wallet can't quite stretch to a full-blown luxury getaway, sprinkling a touch of luxe into your travels can turn an ordinary trip into a memorable adventure. That idea sparked our new series, Flights of Fancy, where we take you along for a trip to the luxury experiences around the cities we adore.

I turned off my phone, slipped it into my weekender bag, and typed 28920 Pacific Coast Highway into my car's GPS. Next stop: the historic bungalows at Hotel June Malibu for a weekend of unplugging and creative escape.

Since the 1940s, Hotel June (formerly known as the Malibu Riviera Hotel) has attracted artists, musicians, and writers to hole up, avoid the distractions of Los Angeles, and simply create. Bob Dylan famously took up residence at the hotel in 1974 to write his album "Blood on the Tracks" in bungalow 13. The art-loving owners, a married couple named Wayne and Helen Wilcox, took up residence in rooms 1, 2, and 3 and even built a photography dark room on the property.

In the years since its restoration, Hotel June has become an iconic PCH destination to unwind and delight in Malibu's thriving local community. As a typical millennial who's glued to their digital devices 24/7, I couldn't be more thrilled for an excuse to log off and luxuriate in the present moment in the scenic hills of Malibu.

Planning a similar trip? Here's everything you need to know before you go to Hotel June Malibu, plus, what to do while you're in town.

Checking In At Hotel June Malibu

Located one mile from Zuma Beach, Hotel June Malibu features 13 rooms that reflect the serenity of the surrounding neighborhood. The renovated mid-century inspired bungalows include king-size Casper beds, Aesop Bath products, custom deadstock vintage robes, a curated minibar stocked with Health-Ade Kombucha, La Colombe cold brew, and Olipop (among others), Wi-Fi if you need to stay connected, air conditioning, walk-in showers, and private patios with garden views.

Thoughtful touches like vintage fixtures, designer lighting and luxury linens bring a five-star experience to your environs.

Other Hotel June Malibu perks include its dog-friendly policy, meaning you can bring along your fur babies to enjoy the stay, too! Note that there's a one-time pet fee for dogs under 45 pounds, but 10 percent of your pet fee is donated to the Best Friends Animal Society to help a pet in need.

The Hotel June Malibu bungalow exterior is lush with planted cacti and shrubbery and sits across four acres of land. Although it's right off a high-trafficked highway, the street noise was minimal once inside. By nightfall, it's remote location makes the hotel an ideal locale for stargazing with an accompanying soundtrack of nearby frog ribbits and cricket chirping. Talk about off-the-beaten path!

Hotel June Malibu: The Amenities 

Once you've settled into your spacious room, be sure to check out what else this private Malibu retreat has to offer, such as a gorgeous heated swimming pool and deck.

You'll also find hammocks, surfboards, Linus Bikes, and open spaces with ample seating to stretch out, relax and recharge.

Hotel June Malibu: Food

The hotel teamed up with Gjusta (a local artisan deli and bakery) to offer light bites available on the property from 7am to 11pm. Menu highlights include gluten free banana bread, a baklava croissant, a variety of salads, and build your own charcuterie boards.

There's plenty of open air seating around the property for you to enjoy take out meals or friendly chit-chat with other hotel guests.

What To Do In Malibu

If it's adventure you seek, you've come to the right place. My top recommendation when in Malibu is to take in the views from the iconic Pacific Coast Highway. There are plenty of shoulders to pull over and park to see sweeping coastal vistas dotted with blooming bougainvillea. The view changes throughout the day depending on the sunlight, so be sure you plan a stop around sunset for a breathtaking scene.

The Best Beaches In Malibu

Malibu's beaches are famous for attracting surfers and leisure-seekers alike. Get to these beaches early to scope out the best spot for relaxing in the sun:

• Zuma Beach
• El Matador State Beach
• Surfrider Beach
• Leo Carrillo State Beach (one of the few dog-friendly beaches in the area)

Oceanside Hiking

If you want to immerse yourself in natural landscapes beyond the beach, there are a number of oceanside trails to enjoy. Zuma Canyon Trailhead is a dog-friendly 2.1 mile loop that'll take about an hour to complete. I was lucky enough to experience this particular hike after a rainy winter, so the hillside was covered in overgrown yellow wildflowers and lush greenery that is atypical for Malibu. Due to recent rain, part of the trail took me through a flooded creek, so fair warning to wear your hiking boots!

A few other nearby hiking locations include Solstice Canyon, Point Dume, and Malibu Creek State Park.

Malibu Village and Malibu Country Mart are adjacent shopping centers teeming with delicious food options. For a more ambient meal with Greek fare, head to Taverna Tony for top-notch Mediterranean eats. I enjoyed the complimentary creamy Taramosalata dip and warm bread that accompanies each table, and when my server noticed my dog under the table, he brought him some meatball scraps to feast on. The moussaka, grilled calamari, and Saganaki flaming cheese were other menu highlights.

Where To Eat In Malibu: Broad Street Oyster Co.

Located in the same shopping center as Taverna Tony, Broad Street Oyster Co. is a must if you're in Malibu. Their famous lobster rolls come in two styles: warm with butter or cold with mayo. Both are perfect treats after a day spent basking in the California sun.

A moment for the lobster rolls, pictured above. The lively restaurant from Christopher Tompkins has been a Malibu mainstay since 2019.

Where To Eat: Malibu Farm at Malibu Pier

The Malibu Pier is one of Malibu's most popular tourist attractions for good reason. This California State Park also features Malibu Farm and Malibu Farm Cafe for convenient oceanside eats and drinks. Sit by the water and feel your stress melt away as the ocean breeze whooshes by.

This preliminary list of what to do, see, and eat in Malibu is only the tip of the iceberg, of course. I hope it inspires you to chart your own unplugged retreat within Malibu's 21 miles of uninterrupted coastline. Fair warning though: After a few days of mellowing out in the sun, slathering on your SPF, and replenishing yourself with salty seafood, ocean breezes, and endless sunsets across the horizon, you'll probably start to wonder why everyday life can't feel as good as this. So take it all in while you can, and queue up a Malibu Zillow search for the long journey home. A girl can dream—er, manifest—right?

Main photo: Hotel June Malibu

Follow along for all your summer travel needs with our Flights of Fancy series and Jetset Journeys series.

Essie 'Break It Sundown'

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OPI 'Teal the Cows Come Home'

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Nailboo 'Amethyst' Gel Polish

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Nailboo 'Pink Lemonade' Gel Polish

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PLA 'Oopsie Daisy'

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Nailboo 'Blueberry Milk' Gel Polish

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Glamnetic 'Jelly Bean' Short Press-On Nails

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Nailboo 'Cutecumber' Gel Polish

Your next summer mani is gonna be lookin' as cute as a cucumber with just a few layers this light green shade. The gel formulation ensures you get solid wear for days or even weeks.​ Vacay, here we come!​

PaintLab 'Daisy Pink' Press-On Nails

Reflect the season's best blooms with these cutesy press-ons that have dotted daisies on them. The pink background just screams 'hot girl summer.' Putting these nail tips on is made easy with an included cuticle pusher, nail file, and tube of nail glue.

PLA 'Okay, Bloomer'

This easygoing lilac nail color delivers a super-shiny effect when you pair it with a nice clear top coat. Though pastels feel more spring-like, they're sure to look stunning even in the summer.

Chillhouse '90's Supermodel' Chill Tips

These eye-catching press-ons will help you paint the town red. Get out there and start testing the red nail theory for yourself. This nail kit comes complete with everything you need to stick the tips on, including a compact cuticle pusher, nail file, and nail glue. The best part is you can wear 'em over and over again.