Didn't we already know that stretching before exercise doesn't help?

In my experience stretching can be a very effective relaxation technique for after a workout. Why doesn't someone study that?

Technically one of those is a study about weight lifting, and the other a re-examining of older studies.

Not that I stretch before exercise anyway, not statically. But all this focus on how bad stretching is before exercise seems to leave out what to do after exercise. And also, how to properly warm up before. It would be nice if they studied what to do before hand becuase I see people talk about these studies, then stand around before a race shivering and then taking off. I never see people warming up at all.

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Ian

I've never understood the appeal of stretching anyways. Every time I try to stretch, it hurts. So far, science has backed up what my body has been telling me for years. Don't stretch, it's really not necessary.

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Take a short break from ST and read my blog:
http://tri-banter.blogspot.com/

I stretch, but not statically. My protocol includes (after a warm up) dynamic stretching and AIS from Phil Wharton: http://www.runningonthewhiteline.com/...ated-stretching.html

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KyleKranz.com
Win a pair of SKORA Running Shoes!

I don't stretch and don't get injured. I just warm up. Works fine.

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Zen and the Art of Triathlon. Strava Workout Log
Interviews with Chris McCormack, Helle Frederikson, Angela Naeth, and many more.
http://www.zentriathlon.com

+1

Sitting in a cubicle all day leaves me feeling stiff and out of alignment at the end of the day. Before I head out the door for an evening workout, I incorporate static (and dynamic) stretching to release some of the tension. The added relaxation leads to noticeably better joint mobility, which helps me s/b/r better.

As with everything, just my n=1. I don't stretch aggressively to necessarily elongate that particular muscle. I stretch to release some of the tension that has accumulated in the surrounding area.

This post backs up what I have said,"the body never lies!" Sometimes"studies"say one thing,sometimes they say another. The thing is to get out there and try stretching and not stretching(or anything else for that matter)and ask the body"what is better?" The mind can trick you but THE BODY NEVER LIES!

I too use dynamic stretching. I didn't start doing it until a few years ago but it feels good and seems to be be helping with my technique (i.e the improved flexibility has made my stroke much smoother). Can't say whether it has actually reduced my propensity to get injured.

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