Here is something new (the document states 9/24/07) from the USA Swimming site by George T. Edelman, MPT, OCS, MTC: Shoulder Stretching: Helpful or Harmful? (Accompanying PowerPoint)
The conclusion is:
• Cognitive shift in stretching programs
• Stretching is athlete specific
• Shoulder stretches that target the glenohumeral joint capsule can be harmful to the swimmer and are strongly discouraged
• Stretches that target the muscle tissue and respect the musculo-tendon unit - encouraged
Naturally, according to George, I've been doing the exact wrong exercises. &^@#.
What do y'all think of this? Fort?
Mark
Former Member
Good stretching is not a bad thing. It is the horror stretches I do not like. Most yoga stretches are easy stretch and not too extreme.
I suddenly seem have two books on stretching and flexibility for sale...Only two months old and perfect condition. :doh:
Original cost $70...can be had for $5. Anyone interested? Anyone?:D
Slo it was never recommended by me. I have been outspoken and laughed at for my opinon on stretching.
Very true, but I won't mention those who lead me astray.:shakeshead:
I wonder how many are still stretching before they swim???
I do stretch my calves very lightly when I walk to the pool. After swimming or walking I again stretch my calves, I never stretch anything else.
Stretch calves 3 X for 7 seconds, 5 times a day since knee operations.
That one has been a mainstay of swimmers since R K the coach from Yale put it on his exercise booklet. In the late 40s.
www.ishof.org/.../65rkiphuth.html
More than any other coach, Kiphuth was responsible for adding dry land exercises and cross-country running to swimming programs. His success changed the long entrenched theories that swimming muscles had to be soft and trained only in the water. Kiphuth was accepted in Physical Education circles where his articles and several books made universal knowledge the techniques that had been kept secret in a few coaches' minds. He was the first editor and publisher of "Swimming World" magazine.
