Stretching Dismissed ?

[DarkLord]

I read an article in the paper "The Daily Mail" here in the UK a few weeks back saying that there is no proof that stretching really does anything for you and it might worsen the risk of injury. Personally I don't agree on this as I've been strtching before workouts since so long now and it actually makes you feel more woken up. As in the morning when you wake up and you give yourself a nice big stretch, obviousley this isn't quite the same as for working about but it is beneficial. The best type of stretching I find that works is static stretching. So who else thinks it's not really of any value to stretch? I promise I won't bite

[Doc2029]

I read the same study as well, but I don't remember what source it came from most likely CNN or ABCNews.com. But I agree with you streching before a workout makes me feel looser and gets the blood flowing. I rarely bother streaching post workout, but pre it just feel right and I can tell the days I skip it. It takes longer for me to get in the groove. I guess it could be all in my head.

Anyway, for now I am going to keep steaching before my workouts because it feel good and right, and as far as I am concerned it improves my performance.

[cursor]

Consider the source ...
In the Health section of today's Daily Mail, one headline reads, "Pill that gives you exercise gain without the pain".

A pill which has the same effect as a strenuous workout could keep age-related diseases at bay, scientists believe.
source

There are various forms of stretching. Some CAN be detrimental to your health if not smartly done. More intense and challenging stretching should always be done AFTER warming (by encouraged blood flow).

[LiftGirl]

Wow! Is the Daily Mail like a UK version of The Onion?

Orky, not that stretching doesn't have a physiological benefit, but I believe the act of having a routine to get in to working out helps you get into the groove, mentally.

[The Flash]

I just don't feel right during my workout without at least a quick stretch. My warmup and stretch might cost me 10 minutes out of my day but it's more than worth it to me.

[.V.]

I don't stretch before any workout. But for running I do it after a full warmup. And I do it after weights EVERY TIME. If not...I can't move the next day.

Damn, speaking of running...I'm fat enough now.

[EliteLift]

Originally Posted by DarkLord

I've been strtching before workouts since so long now and it actually makes you feel more woken up. As in the morning when you wake up and you give yourself a nice big stretch, obviousley this isn't quite the same as for working about but it is beneficial. The best type of stretching I find that works is static stretching.

Originally Posted by orkydoc

I agree with you streching before a workout makes me feel looser and gets the blood flowing. I rarely bother streaching post workout, but pre it just feel right and I can tell the days I skip it. It takes longer for me to get in the groove. I guess it could be all in my head.

Anyway, for now I am going to keep steaching before my workouts because it feel good and right, and as far as I am concerned it improves my performance.

Static stretching to hard before a workout will not only hinder your max strength output for your folowing workout, but can also damage soft tissue. I remember during my prime gymnastics years my coaches would never want us to consider stretching until we were warmed up without any doubt.

I find preforming light compound exercises with an exagerated ROM warms my muscles quite nicly. Example: If i were planning a heavy chest day I might first do a set of light Dips with as much ROM as I can saftly handle followed by none static stretching on the same muscle groups before moveing onto heavy benching.

Now for post workout.. just think about how you muscle reacted to the workout, they will be warm with increased bloodflow, but also holding a much tighter posture, this is because you have temporarly damaged them with the exercise you just did. So by staticly stretching the muscle now you will be improving your recovery time, maintaining/increaseing ROM, and removing by-products/waist caused by working out, and their is much less risk for injury.

I also find I am more flexible post workout.

but as long as you guys are not getting hurt and you find it helps then best of luck!

[DarkLord]

Do you know what......the last time I actually injured or strained something was three years ago....I'm not kidding, lol. Even then it was moderately mild and my SOM was a little faster then. With any of my stretching it's for half a minute max and I think that's what's you mean by EliteLift it's not taking it to a dangerous level and stretching should never be forced.

[LiftGirl]

Originally Posted by EliteLift

I also find I am more flexible post workout.

I've noticed this too. I figured it was because the muscle was fatigued, thus could not activate the stretch reflex as easily. Just a theory of mine though.

[EliteLift]

that could very well be liftgirl. my whole theroy is that even though you have tightend the muscles from working out, you are putting huge amounts of tension on tendons and conective tissue at the same time, witch I think makes them more stretchy/plyable for the period of time you are warm after working out. its not until you cool down a few hours or more after you workout you start feel tight (unless you never streched at all). also just a theory though.. now I really want to know for certain though..lol

[Vas85]

Originally Posted by .V.

I don't stretch before any workout. But for running I do it after a full warmup. And I do it after weights EVERY TIME. If not...I can't move the next day.

Damn, speaking of running...I'm fat enough now.

I also don't stretch before any workout but what might be considered stretching is each exercise I hold the weight at peak stretch point and peak contraction point during the whole warmup set... so I guess that's a form of stretching in itself.

[Merrida]

I have read very little (personally) to support stretching before lifting. I've read controversial studies (if that's even the right word because I don't know if they were even peer reviewed) about stretching between sets (some say it can help increase your strength overall, some say it can hinder your strength). But the majority of studies I have read, from multiple sources, have in common that they advocate stretching after a work out. Ballistic stretching is reserved for things like active plyometrics and dynamic stretching to enhance sports related function.

But static stretching once the muscles and connective tissues are warmed up, even if you feel tight, is, in my opinion, much safer for the body (all parts of the body). When you stretch it isn't just muscle tension you have to think about, but the internal forces on your tendons and ligaments (depending on what you're doing, and how).

Besides, stretching before a work out (and after a cardio warm up) seems to defeat the purpose,....your HR lowers, your body temperature lowers,...and then you go and slam it with heavy weights? Seems counter-intuitive, and counter-productive.

One area that I think should be as flexible as possible (if only I could fall into this category) is your spine. I read once that you are as young as your spine is flexible.

.

[Vas85]

Originally Posted by Merrida

Besides, stretching before a work out (and after a cardio warm up) seems to defeat the purpose,....your HR lowers, your body temperature lowers,...and then you go and slam it with heavy weights? Seems counter-intuitive, and counter-productive.
.

It might explain why I feel sleepy if I stretch properly before a workout as opposed to my static light set stretching I do, I might incorporate some post-workout stretching as I think my calves/quads would really benefit from it.

Think about animals in the wild, I dont think a Cheetah stretches before it storms onto its prey....

[bodyshop20]

I only used to stretch when i was about to train in Karate.
Before doing iron i will warm up as a cold muscle will be at danger to injury.
Sometimes after a good workout and im pumped up i will stretch between sets.

[KickerNine]

I never stretch before lifting. Nor do I like to warm up before powerlifting. Just drink some coffee, jump around a bit and get to it.