Stretching is BS

[5kgLifter]

One point that hasn't been covered is that of the term "stretching", which does not mean the same to all people.

Static stretching means holding a stretched position, for generally anywhere from a minute to several minutes. I believe this is the stretching that the author of the article is referring to.

The stretching that most people talk about only involves a few seconds at most or just hitting full ROM with the muscle concerned and then immediately backing off.

The two are clearly NOT the same and will produce different results and may also be where confusion as to whether stretching is beneficial or not in certain circumstances may arise.

[Fazc]

Originally Posted by 5kgLifter

Static stretching means holding a stretched position, for generally anywhere from a minute to several minutes. I believe this is the stretching that the author of the article is referring to.

That's exactly the type of stretching I'm referring to. I've seen notable examples where guys have corrected form to look considerably better and perform more efficiently via the use of (static) stretching and strengthening key areas.

[BendtheBar]

I admit to being ignorant. I didn't know people stretched for periods longer than 10-15 seconds at a pop.

[Tannhauser]

I was looking at research into this recently, though admittedly not in any great depth.

The main conclusions I can remember seemed to be:

1. There's been quite a time lag in knowledge filtering down into some areas of sport. It's been clear for some time that stretching isn't a great way of warming up, but some are still clinging to it.
2. Stretching tends to make you better at...er stretching exercises.
3. It doesn't seem to prevent injuries.

I still think there are plenty of reasons to do some stretching, but not necessarily the ones we were brought up with.

[MC]

Doing specific hamstring/posterior chain stretches 2 times per week in the evenings has done miles towards my back feeling better.

[TitanCT]

John Meadows makes me do long, painful, static, fascia stretching. Every time I lift. he's a beast, I'll stick to his advice, it's what I paid him for.

[MVP]

I thought pre-workout stretching was a myth busted a long time ago. It was pretty much generally accepted that you should stretch statically after warming up or after training period.

The analogy is: if you put a rubber band in the refrigerator and get it cold and try to stretch it, it's more likely to snap, but if you take a warm rubber band and stretch it, it increases potential flexibility and declines risk of potential injury.

I'm all for stretching and flexibility. What about people with lordosis? Shoulder protraction? Internal rotation of the humerus? Those people need to stretch the overdeveloped muscles and stimulate directly the antagonists in order to defeat the imbalance.

[angie828]

Originally Posted by 5kgLifter

Oddly, I agree with it.

For instance, stretching can cause DOMS as bad as those that are a result of a really heavy session in the gym.

Stretching also loosens joints and some joints need to have good integrity to withstand exercises such as squats and lunges etc, after stretching they are too loose and are more an overall danger.
.

I did not know that. I always stretch. I always thought that stretching was suppose to be so good for you.

[_J_]

Originally Posted by angie828

I did not know that. I always stretch. I always thought that stretching was suppose to be so good for you.

Me too.

[ricka182]

Originally Posted by BendtheBar

I admit to being ignorant. I didn't know people stretched for periods longer than 10-15 seconds at a pop.

I usually hold at least one angle of a stretch for 30 seconds minimum, gradualy pulling a bit tighter for the first 10-15, then static holding. I'll repeat this 2-3x before I attempt any heavy lifts.

Originally Posted by TitanCT

John Meadows makes me do long, painful, static, fascia stretching. Every time I lift. he's a beast, I'll stick to his advice, it's what I paid him for.

I'm starting to become more and more interested in fascia stretching. I've chatted with some lifters who swear by it for insane muscle fullness. Once I'm 100% back on track, I'm thinking of trying some sort of FST-7 style routine. Dmaipa is an FST-7 believer if I remember correctly. He used it to train for and compete in his first show.