Re: Poll - Multiple answers can be made in the poll - select all that apply.
I have heard people say it's better to stretch before workout and others say it is better to stretch during/after workouts.
I have also heard people say stretching before is a good way to hurt yourself.
I have always believed stretching before workout is better and have swum better.
I wanted to get your feedback and links if any supporting your views.
Thanks
I almost always stretch after.
However, if I have a dryland + swim day and I stretch right after drylands, I feel better in the water afterward.
I'm not sure you're going to hurt yourself stretching before if you are already flexible and stretch regularly. If not, I can see the possibility of something going awry. If I stretch before or in an isolated stretching session, I usually do some dynamic stretching before the static stretching.
My team stretches before every workout. We have a set stretch sequence and we are taught how not to injure ourselves. I find I feel a lot better in the water if I have stretched.
Occasionally, we will get out early and stretch but I find I don't get anything from it.
I think it's good to stretch before, during, and after.
Although I voted "during", I'm with you Philo. I really like the stretches demonstrated in the January-February 2010 issue of Swimmer Magazine; I do them daily. Typically, I begin every warm-up with 2-4x100 freestyle and stretch in between them, before moving on with the rest of my warm-up. Then, I do specific stretches for breaststroke, before I finish my warm-up with breaststroke drills. After my swim, I always do more stretching, before I hit the showers.
I don't stretch before the swim workouts...maybe just a little shaking out the arms and legs. After about 200-500 Yards or swimming, I will take a little time to stretch out the arms, twist the back -crrrack- a few times, and shoulders and neck. Then I get back at it again before the others bombard my lane and make it impossible for me to do any set worth a darn to me. :)
Some great input- I appreciate it. Keep them coming.
I think i will continue to do stretching before and during and add after workout.
I had to google ballistic stretching and found this:
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en.wikipedia.org/.../Ballistic_stretching
Ballistic stretching is a form of passive stretching or dynamic stretching in a bouncing motion. Ballistic stretches force the limb into an extended range of motion when the muscle has not relaxed enough to enter it. It involves fast "bouncing" movements where a double bounce is performed at the end range of movement. Ballistic stretching should only be used by athletes who know their own limitations and with supervision by their trainer.
Ballistic stretching has been found to be hazardous towards the body. It can injure vital muscles and nerves with the sharp jerking movements. It is even possible for tissue to be ripped off the bone.
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I realize anything done the wrong way can hurt you, and know Rich has great knowledge and experience in swimming so I am taking the Wikipedia reference with a grain of salt.
Some great input- I appreciate it. Keep them coming.
I think i will continue to do stretching before and during and add after workout.
I had to google ballistic stretching and found this:
===========================
en.wikipedia.org/.../Ballistic_stretching
Ballistic stretching is a form of passive stretching or dynamic stretching in a bouncing motion. Ballistic stretches force the limb into an extended range of motion when the muscle has not relaxed enough to enter it. It involves fast "bouncing" movements where a double bounce is performed at the end range of movement. Ballistic stretching should only be used by athletes who know their own limitations and with supervision by their trainer.
Ballistic stretching has been found to be hazardous towards the body. It can injure vital muscles and nerves with the sharp jerking movements. It is even possible for tissue to be ripped off the bone.
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I realize anything done the wrong way can hurt you, so I am taking the Wikipedia reference with a grain of salt.
Dynamic stretching is safer than ballistic stretching: www.sport-fitness-advisor.com/dynamicstretching.html;www.elitesoccerconditioning.com/.../DynamicStretchingvsStaticStretching.htm (with cites to studies). The point is that it's advisable to be warmed up somewhat before you do static stretching.
Fort,
You're right. I was really thinking of dynamic stretching (e.g. gentle arm swings) rather than ballistic. Before dryland I do an easy 1,000 meter row on the rowing machine, 400-500 jump rope reps and then some dynamic stretches, sometimes with a light medicine ball. Before swimming I don't do much, just swim very slowly for 700-1,000 meters (half my total workout yardage on most days).
Rich
I'm not a big fan of stretching, before, during or after a workout, but I find a good warmup to the very helpful. When I swim, I start with a long warmup. When I lift, I start with sets of very light weights, (or only body weight for exercises such as squats) and do lots of reps, like 100. I believe this helps prevent injuries. I find stretching helpful if I am stiff from sitting in too many long meetings.
