Want a better workout? Don't stretch before

Want a better workout? Then don't stretch beforehand, some experts say.

Many people take it for granted that they should start their exercise routines with some stretching on the spot, perhaps hoping it will loosen them up for their workout. Most fitness experts now agree this kind of static stretching before exercise is not just counter-productive, but potentially harmful.

Traditional stretches, like when people bend over to touch their toes or stretch their legs on a fence, often cause the muscles to tighten rather than relax — exactly the opposite of what is needed for physical activity

Experts say it is like extending a rubber band to its limit. When people stretch to the maximum, they are more likely to pull a muscle.

"We have developed this idea of static stretching at exactly the wrong time," said Kieran O'Sullivan, an exercise expert at the University of Limerick in Ireland, who has studied various types of stretching and their impact on athletes.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36553174/ns/health-fitness/

the stretching/warm-up part anyway!

for ten to fifteen minutes first.

I've been doing that for years.

Right onto the treadmill, when available; otherwise right onto a recumbent cross-trainer or sit down with the weighted wand. Then I work through my workout elements. No problem so far.

never ceases to amaze me.

stretching a "cold" muscle is always dumb

many sports require a high degree of flexibility to perform in and achieve the proper positions (gymnastics, olympic style weightlifting, wrestling).

the stretching is done with/after warming up the muscles.

NEVER cold muscles.


again, decades old advice.

I almost named my son that. Love that name.

I never stretch out before running, as I'm too lazy and sleepy. But I do after. More awake then....

:)

I do walk and ride a bike and did work for years at a very physical job.

I can recall waking up in the mornings lately and appreciating the fact that I am 57 years old and nothing hurts or aches on my body. Life is good.

All kinds of foot and knee pain, very difficult to diagnose. Started in my 40s, gradually got worse, eventually debilitating. Lots of conflicting diagnoses.

What eventually worked was calf stretches. Apparently my achilles tendon had shortened over the years. Now I try to stretch those calves daily, two minutes per leg. I can hike again!

and I've lived nicely without it.

patello-femoral syndrome in one leg, partly due to not stretching after running. Now I make sure and stretch, especially the ITB band.

I never did stretches but never had any problems until age 55 when I developed incapacitating foot and heel pain after doing lots of work on concrete surfaces. Solution for me was calf exercises plus arch support orthotic inserts that restored my ability to hike and play tennis again with no pain.

so so obvious that you need to warm up with aerobics before stretching.

People who write these things never go to gyms.

I know from experience if I don't stretch before using weights my muscles will be damaged.

A no brainer!

But if you're a beginner and over stretch that's another thing.

Why don't they use the term gentle stretching ... duh!

The dynamic stretching mimics how the muscle is used during the activity. The "stretch and hold" is for cooling down.

several years ago. It just seemed pointless.

Basically what I do now is just start off very slowly for 5-10 minutes. Only when I get good and warm do I add intensity. I've never injured myself.

Stretching afterward (not bouncing) feels very good and does feel like I'm flexing out the muscles. :thumbsup: I learned how to stretch properly from the occasional dance instructor and theatre work.

Check back in a little while, and "some experts" will be endorsing a vigorous pre-workout stretching warm-up.