Stretching

[Taz]

Before I got a personal trainer I used to spend 5 minutes stretching before I started my gym workouts. I was told that was the worst possible thing to do!

Apparently, your muscles must be warmed up *before* you stretch. An workout should always *end* with a comprehensive stretching routine (around 15 minutes). Moreover, you should stretch affected muscles in between sets and individual exercises to stop them shortening. Muscle fibre shortens (but increases in diameter) when it is exercised.

Do any of the gym members on here do enough stretching?

[0iD]

I've never bothered tbh, & I've never had an injury. Warm up yes, stretch, cba

[FarmerJon]

One of my old football coaches was really strict on stretching, so I've picked up the habit too. Warm up vvv gently (2-5 mins at really lowest resistance on a bike for example) then stretch, then do some cardio then stretch again. Stretching at the start of a workout (before warming up) its v possible to pull a muscle, and if you don't stretch at the end (after a suitable cool down too) you'll a)hurt like a biatch the next morning and b) end up hurting later in life...warming up & down & stretching can save you a LOT of pain so it's always worth doing

[Lowe]

As part of my martial arts I do a fair bit of stretching. There's different methods, but you're right - you should never stretch a totally cold muscle. When we train, we do it at two different times. Firstly we warm up the muscles with about a 5-10 minute set of general exercises and body movements. We then stretch for 10-15 seconds various muscle groups to help loosen them off. Not to develop the stretch, only to loosen and to help prepare for the session.

Developmental stretches are done at the end of the session when everything is fully warm, and are held for a lot longer - 30 seconds at least, with deep breathing. Always keep breathing when stretching, and always breath out when you start a stretch, or reach that bit further to apply more pressure.

[Lowe]

Originally Posted by 0iD

I've never bothered tbh, & I've never had an injury. Warm up yes, stretch, cba

Every year, someone who doesn't stetch loses 2% of their maximum flexibilty. Doesn't sound a lot, but when you're older you'll know about it...

[0iD]

Originally Posted by Lowe

Every year, someone who doesn't stetch loses 2% of their maximum flexibilty. Doesn't sound a lot, but when you're older you'll know about it...

Well I'm 37 & still pretty supple. I do yoga & Tai Chi Chaun to keep me nimble & besides, with the parkinsons I doubt that lot'll last much longer anyhow.

[Taz]

Originally Posted by 0iD

Well I'm 37 & still pretty supple. I do yoga & Tai Chi Chaun to keep me nimble & besides, with the parkinsons I doubt that lot'll last much longer anyhow.

You have Parkinsons? Man, i feel for you

Read my sig if it helps!

[Rave]

I exercise properly about 1 month every two years. Then I laze about until impending weakness drives me to the gym again.

Still, I was taught to stretch properly when I did athletics at school, so after a warmup I can still get my head to my knee in the 'hurdle position' straight leg hamstrig stretch. I also take my 'cool down' and final stretch as seriously as my warmup.

What's everyone's preferred routine? Personally, I start at the ankles and work my way up to the neck, that way I make sure that everything gets covered.