Forums >General Running>Spinoff: To stretch, or not to stretch...that is the question
Go Pre!
https://twitter.com/BeachesRunner
So...I'm wondering if all of the stretching actually contributed to more inflamation.
The previous comment about starting slow, warming up and then taking the time to stretch is fine, but there is some scientific proof that muscles shut down after stretching, it is something to do with the 'on-off' switches built in to the human muscles.
rectumdamnnearkilledem
Getting the wind knocked out of you is the only way to
remind your lungs how much they like the taste of air.
~ Sarah Kay
link more another Interesting...I think I will start forgoing my pre-run stretching for a while to see how that works (and do a more thorough post-run stretch, instead). I currently walk about 7 brisk minutes before easing into each run, so maybe that's all I really need in terms of a warm-up. k
E-mail: eric.fuller.mail@gmail.com -----------------------------
Interesting links. They do seem to confirm my own thoughts - and also confirm the fact that stretching is controversial. Did you notice the first link said don't stretch immediately after working out, while the second link said to stretch "immediately following exercise while the muscles are warm." And there is one final questions to ask: what is the reason for your stretching? Are you stretching just to improve run performance - or to actually become really flexible? I think the answer makes a difference in how you stretch.
Professional Noob
Roads were made for journeys...
Hey, Jake, what kind of MA were you into? I used to really enjoy taekwondo... that's how I tore my ACL, actually... and other stuff before that.
Abs of Flabs
My 2 cents...I am recovering from ITBS. For the past month I stopped running and stretched, iced, and IBed (600 mg) twice daily. After all of that, I still couldn't run more than 1-2 miles before severe pain set in. For the past 1 1/2 weeks I haven't stretched at all and iced occassionally. For the first time, I ran pain free and am starting my running routine back. So...I'm wondering if all of the stretching actually contributed to more inflamation.