I do several stretches pointed out as no-nos in that article. I have a little routine that I always do, much of which I borrowed from Janet Evans' book. But after reading that I'm thinking I might just quit stretching altogether.
:confused:
Parents
Former Member
stretching for flexibility and warming up are two different things.
static stretching (when you stretch and hold it for a while) actually inhibits your strength. The proteins in your muscles can not bounce back with in a reasonable time which decreases the amount of strength you have.
A dynamic warm up, like rotatating your shoulders or swinging your arms, brings blood to the area and warms up your muscles with out losing your strength. Even running for a couple of minutes would be more benifical than a static stretch.
If you need to work on your flexiblity, stretching or going to a yoga class after a workout or on a different day would be much more productive.
I am glad that the article brought more attention to stretching before swimming, yet I feel like it is incomplete and talking about warming up would fill in the blanks.
I also agree with the best warm up being what I am doing- swimming.
stretching for flexibility and warming up are two different things.
static stretching (when you stretch and hold it for a while) actually inhibits your strength. The proteins in your muscles can not bounce back with in a reasonable time which decreases the amount of strength you have.
A dynamic warm up, like rotatating your shoulders or swinging your arms, brings blood to the area and warms up your muscles with out losing your strength. Even running for a couple of minutes would be more benifical than a static stretch.
If you need to work on your flexiblity, stretching or going to a yoga class after a workout or on a different day would be much more productive.
I am glad that the article brought more attention to stretching before swimming, yet I feel like it is incomplete and talking about warming up would fill in the blanks.
I also agree with the best warm up being what I am doing- swimming.
