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
Maybe something like yoga or pilates where the stretching is the exercise is a different scenario. It seems to me that you are stretching while you swim and as long as you don't just dive in and start swimming all out you'll be fine. After reading Geek's post above I'm inclined to agree: most people stretch because they think they are supposed to stretch.
Then again my flexibility is terrible and maybe never stretching has something to do with it.
I understand this POV with the conflicting evidence. But don't most elite swimmers stretch? I seem to recall in Salo's Complete Conditioning book, that there was a section on stretching and that he also stressed the importance of balance exercises. Do you think Salo, a coach who has deviated from conventional thinking in his training methods, is having his swimmers stretch "because he's supposed to"? Not me.
And if swimming is a sport where flexibility is essential, why would one want to remain inflexible? I mean, if you're not flexible, how can you even get into a proper tight streamline position? Many masters can't. Also, we lose flexibility as we age if nothing is done. Maybe this is part of the age-related slow down? I see people hobbling stiffly all the time, and I don't want to be that person. I'd rather be nimble and flexible. I also have the sense that being flexible could prevent injury and help remove lactic acid. I certainly feel much better after today's sweaty yoga class than I did this am. Though I did not wear "hemp clothing."
But I could be full o' s.
Maybe something like yoga or pilates where the stretching is the exercise is a different scenario. It seems to me that you are stretching while you swim and as long as you don't just dive in and start swimming all out you'll be fine. After reading Geek's post above I'm inclined to agree: most people stretch because they think they are supposed to stretch.
Then again my flexibility is terrible and maybe never stretching has something to do with it.
I understand this POV with the conflicting evidence. But don't most elite swimmers stretch? I seem to recall in Salo's Complete Conditioning book, that there was a section on stretching and that he also stressed the importance of balance exercises. Do you think Salo, a coach who has deviated from conventional thinking in his training methods, is having his swimmers stretch "because he's supposed to"? Not me.
And if swimming is a sport where flexibility is essential, why would one want to remain inflexible? I mean, if you're not flexible, how can you even get into a proper tight streamline position? Many masters can't. Also, we lose flexibility as we age if nothing is done. Maybe this is part of the age-related slow down? I see people hobbling stiffly all the time, and I don't want to be that person. I'd rather be nimble and flexible. I also have the sense that being flexible could prevent injury and help remove lactic acid. I certainly feel much better after today's sweaty yoga class than I did this am. Though I did not wear "hemp clothing."
But I could be full o' s.
