Stretching poll
- Thread starter Karky
- Start date
I usually stretch after my warm up sets.
And if I remember I try to stretch after the whole workout.
I read it's not good to stretch a cold muscle, so I warm it up first then stretch.... I have no idea if that's right or not and have been meaning to find out what is optimal.
Hoss
1
:11doh::yelrotflmao:
I voted, but I saw that you put static stretching afterwards. I do not do much static stretching at all.
I use a Dynamic flexibility routine before the workout. After the workout I usually do some band stretches, all ROM, movement based flexibility stuff.
I really think it helps recovery.
I use a Dynamic flexibility routine before the workout. After the workout I usually do some band stretches, all ROM, movement based flexibility stuff.
I really think it helps recovery.
Last edited:
So what is the right answer with stretching then? Save it for after the workout? Or do it before or after work sets? Something else?
Last edited:
I use a combo of static and dynamic mostly dynamic though i only use static if im gonna do cardio but definitely before and after. your suppose to stretch a little in btwn each set too but i usually neglect that. you stretch before to prevent injury, you stretch afterward because it helps release hormonal signals for muscle growth and repair.
After.
Best time to stretch is after a workout because the muscles, tendons, and ligaments are warmer and more elastic, helping to maximize the stretch. It also, along with proper cool down, helps to prevent post-workout blood pooling which can lead to soreness and injury. I will usually only do static or proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (if I have a competant spotter) stretching here, because I'm looking to cool down.
So long as you've warmed up properly, it's not necessarily a bad thing to stretch prior to a workout, but if you're stretching cold, you may actually increase your risk of injury during a workout because you're muscles, tendons, and ligaments are colder and less elastic. I stick with dynamic or PNF here.
There is a newer school of thought out there that stretching is completely unnecessary, but most of the research I had reviewed back in college was shoddy at best, comparing small groups, generally high performance athletes. There may be better research out there now, and if anyone has access to links I'd love to read it. It's also based on a rather flawed model of physical activity in other mammals, where as other mammals don't specifically stretch muscle groups with the intent to improve flexibility. I argue that this view does not take into account the generally active lifestyle of the wild animal when compared to the lifestyle of a human, which involves far less physical activity, even in moderate exercisers.
Best time to stretch is after a workout because the muscles, tendons, and ligaments are warmer and more elastic, helping to maximize the stretch. It also, along with proper cool down, helps to prevent post-workout blood pooling which can lead to soreness and injury. I will usually only do static or proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (if I have a competant spotter) stretching here, because I'm looking to cool down.
So long as you've warmed up properly, it's not necessarily a bad thing to stretch prior to a workout, but if you're stretching cold, you may actually increase your risk of injury during a workout because you're muscles, tendons, and ligaments are colder and less elastic. I stick with dynamic or PNF here.
There is a newer school of thought out there that stretching is completely unnecessary, but most of the research I had reviewed back in college was shoddy at best, comparing small groups, generally high performance athletes. There may be better research out there now, and if anyone has access to links I'd love to read it. It's also based on a rather flawed model of physical activity in other mammals, where as other mammals don't specifically stretch muscle groups with the intent to improve flexibility. I argue that this view does not take into account the generally active lifestyle of the wild animal when compared to the lifestyle of a human, which involves far less physical activity, even in moderate exercisers.
Last edited:
I wanted to check "after, just because" but it wasn't an option!
I always stretch after cardio & weights. I also stretch for 10 minutes right before bed every night. I also practice yoga (not hatha) for 40 minutes 3-5 days per week first thing in the morning. It just feels good and keeps me limber. I also noticed when I don't I feel so stiff and when I get up I feel like I'm 80 years old!
I always stretch after cardio & weights. I also stretch for 10 minutes right before bed every night. I also practice yoga (not hatha) for 40 minutes 3-5 days per week first thing in the morning. It just feels good and keeps me limber. I also noticed when I don't I feel so stiff and when I get up I feel like I'm 80 years old!
I stretch when I get out of bed, at lunch, at dinner, and before I got to bed.
I stretch before my workout, and after my workout.
I stretch before engaging in sex.
Any questions?
Best regards,
Chillen
I had not voted because I did not want to click on this because I do not strretch enuff!
MY ANSWER- I have found that the foam rollers (my versions - which include a softball bat, and a pool noodle with golf balls inside it) have been lengthening my tendons much better than stretching.
For the before or after debate. I give this....
I do not stretch before working out because my temdons connect to ligaments and ligaments can be damaged too easily with tight tendons. It's like putting a rubber band in the fridgerator and then trying to strech it. (runners answer)
I do not stretch after a workout becaause my tendons have already been fully heated and maxed out thru continuous strain and use. Therefore the ligaments are tired and may not be able to withstand a good long hard stretch. (bicyclists answer)
The only true stretch is upon first arising because all of our tendons are in their natural state. Any activity would offset the principle of "settled" therefor to awaken physically in balance a stretch must be done upong wakening. And the pain and tightness keeps the necesity for stretching acute. (yogies answer).
I stretch during exsercisee because I can feel the juices flowing out of my muscles preventing cramps! hahahahahaha
probably just best to not stretch and die!
FF
MY ANSWER- I have found that the foam rollers (my versions - which include a softball bat, and a pool noodle with golf balls inside it) have been lengthening my tendons much better than stretching.
For the before or after debate. I give this....
I do not stretch before working out because my temdons connect to ligaments and ligaments can be damaged too easily with tight tendons. It's like putting a rubber band in the fridgerator and then trying to strech it. (runners answer)
I do not stretch after a workout becaause my tendons have already been fully heated and maxed out thru continuous strain and use. Therefore the ligaments are tired and may not be able to withstand a good long hard stretch. (bicyclists answer)
The only true stretch is upon first arising because all of our tendons are in their natural state. Any activity would offset the principle of "settled" therefor to awaken physically in balance a stretch must be done upong wakening. And the pain and tightness keeps the necesity for stretching acute. (yogies answer).
I stretch during exsercisee because I can feel the juices flowing out of my muscles preventing cramps! hahahahahaha
probably just best to not stretch and die!
FF