stretching?

[deKa]

Ok, I have heard both...

1) Never stretch after you have lifted weights or the next day when it's sore... it is said to damage the muscles trying to build.

2)Always stretch a lot after working out, it improves blood flow for quicker removal of lactic acid, and encourages growth.

which is actually correct?

[Steve]

I stretch before, during and after. Also every day. Makes me feel better.


Steve

[Elixom]

Yea im with Steve on this one.. its good to stretch

[ebon00]

Originally posted by deKa
1) Never stretch after you have lifted weights or the next day when it's sore... it is said to damage the muscles trying to build.

This school of thought usually points to the fact that the muscles have lowered threshold of certain safety mechanisms (stretch reflex and the likes) and that you can unknowingly be stretching past the point of damage when the muscles are warmed-up after a weight training session. I haven't seen any studies on this though. Stretching before a max attempt has been shown to reduce peak power output in some individuals but that's about all I know.

Originally posted by deKa
2)Always stretch a lot after working out, it improves blood flow for quicker removal of lactic acid, and encourages growth.

This is probably a half-truth really since the "proper" form of stretching (passive stretching that is recommended by most knowledgeable people) shouldn't cause a contraction which can stimulate blood flow. But for joint mobility this is probably preferred. But, haven't seen any studies on this either.