To stretch or not to stretch - opinions please!

[Claymax]

I stretch religiously before and after my daily exercise. The stretches I perform are from Bill Pearl's book on weight training, an old school fitness guy.

So as I'm stretching one day years ago a lady next to me remarks that I must do yoga. I ask why and she replies that my stretchs almost mimic many yoga poses/maneuvers. I never knew much about yoga before that comment but have learned that they are similar.

The key is proper stretches and how long you do them. Quick stretches and bouncing (quick bends and lunges) are dangerous. Go slow and easy and hold your stretch for 30-40 seconds.

Done properly, stretching will condition your body and really loosen you up. If I miss my daily stretching I am noticeably stiffer during the day.

Many have been told not to stretch before a workout and this is true if your body is cold, as in not warmed up in any way. However, if you can warm yourself up for 5 minutes or so on a bike or something very low impact, then most can stretch out without any worries about doing damage.

Again though, no quick stretches, lunging or bouncing. Slowly stretch to your desired position and hold it. Do not go for huge stretches first time either, just like an exercise program, ease into it and don't overdo it.

Stretching is VERY relaxing and enjoyable for me.

 

[MyZoeJane]

I abide by the mentality that muscles are like taffy. You never want to stretch them when they'e "cold" or, like taffy, they "break".... However, once muscles are warmed up, like taffy, they will stretch and become more pliable. Therefore, I do not stretch until I am a mile or two into my run.

I am also under the impression that stretching warmed up muscles helps to aid in the flow and absorbtion of oxygen to said muscles.

 

[JimB.]

I been told that stretching COLD muscles is a bad idea. Doo it after warming up w/a slow jog/walk/run/whatever for a few minutes.

Since, once I start running, I plan to stop only once, I don't stop to stretch. I just start w/smaller strides and gradually lengthen them out. Seems to work for me.

So far.