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:
What's really screwy with the whole stretching issue...
Do any of you get Swimming World Magazine in addition to USMS Swimmer? We get both here and our Swimming World just arrived yesterday. Well, what should be on pages 26 and 27 but a pictorial story on "After-exercise stretches to increase range of motion." Stretches #4 and #5 are EXACTLY the stretches that are shown as no-no's on page 23 of USMS Swimmer.
Confusing?
I would think so.
I read the article and saw stretches I've also done in the past.
In MHO, it isn't the particular stretch that is bad, it's the individual (or coach) that takes it to an extreme that makes it bad, as in hyperextension, or pushing the stretch until it hurts.
I never encourage anyone to stretch beyond the point where they feel the initial "pull-back" that naturally occurs. I think that is why the new suggestion is not to use inanimate objects that allow you to push past this point of resistance (like a wall or bar).
I do think some form of stretch to warm up, coupled with a good warm up set in the water, is still a good idea for Masters swimmers. Especially those who do not swim every day.
Here is another link to a more complete article on USA Swimming's web page, www.usaswimming.org/.../Active Warm Up 040809.pdf , much the same as in this month's Swimmer magazine - but with references.
I use the "On Deck Active Warm-Up" stretches and movements before every competition.
Do we really need stretching exercises at all? Why not just a good swimming warmup?
I agree with Kirk. The recommended stretching exercises in the article looked somewhat pointless to me. A proper warm up loosens me up. Moreover, if I'm going to stretch, I stretch after working out and focus on the back (upper, mid, lower), legs, hips. Better to have the scapular area loose than risk loosening the shoulder ligaments/tendons.
Yeah, I can see the use of stretching before participating in sports with lots of stopping and starting and somewhat unpredictable movements (i.e., tennis, soccer), but swimming is very repetitive. It just seems logicial that the best way to loosen up the muscles used for swimming is by swimming.
I'm kicking myself for not staying flexible. My legs hyper-extend, so I could stretch them really far. I stopped stretching right before kids (about 10 years ago) and I can barely touch my toes now.
I think stretching is a good thing, and I should not have taken my flexibility for granted. I just never thought I would lose it. I was definitely wrong.
:badday:
I'm kicking myself for not staying flexible. My legs hyper-extend, so I could stretch them really far. I stopped stretching right before kids (about 10 years ago) and I can barely touch my toes now.
I think stretching is a good thing, and I should not have taken my flexibility for granted. I just never thought I would lose it. I was definitely wrong.
:badday:
I agree completely, especially at my age. My lower back gets very stiff if I don't do a bit of daily stretching, including that roll-over the legs pose in the article. That's called Child Pose by the yogis. Lots of flip turns can make the back a little stiff.
It's never too late, Karen, to begin again. I never stretched at all until I was in my mid-thirties, and found Yoga while living in England. I got away from it for awhile, and getting back has made a big difference. I only do about 10 minutes a day most days, but it's just enough to keep me flexible after the 4 - 5,000 workouts three times a week.
Swim 3 time; stretch every day.
I read the article with interest. I do the "bad" stretches before I swim and before I race. I do most of the good stretches after a workout. In fact, I really enjoy stretching in the water and I enjoy performing some yoga movements in the water.
I'm pretty sure that swimming increases joint and tendon flexion. The lead article on the USMS website about the woman with RA who essentially reversed the progress of her degeneration with swimming is really encouraging.
For your general health, you probably need to do stretching just to maintain your flexibility.
I'll admit this is probably true. I don't stretch and my flexibility is poor. On the other hand I don't reccall it being any better when I was a kid and we did stretching every day before practice.
