True and False: Stretch for Success

Conventional wisdom stipulates you should stretch before you even think about exercising, but increasing numbers of fitness practitioners are emerging to temper this worldview, and ensuring that the much-vaunted ‘stretch’ is properly situated within the world of modern exercise.

 

Myth: stretching prevents injury

Let’s be frank: injuries are complicated and no one medical authority knows how to prevent injury. If you’re prone to aches and pains, simply indulging a prolonged stretch won’t keep you safe.

In fact, if your body historically breaks down, you’re better off stretching and warming up, the latter of which involves going through the motions for 10 minutes, slowly warming your muscles and joints.

 

True: Being flexible doesn’t mean you should avoid stretching

Flexibility is no barometer of an ability to withstand injury.

We all need to increase bloodflow to those important muscles, which is why you should stretch no matter who you are.

 

Myth: You don’t need to stretch before you run

Stretching before a cardio binge can have the opposite effect you intend: it can actually strain your muscles.

Instead, slowly warm up by taking a walk and circulating blood throughout your muscles.

 

True: Rather stretch after a run

Once you’ve finished a brisk run, cool down by letting those muscles loosen.

 

True: Stretch properly

Pulling your calf half-heartedly doesn’t cut it: you need to properly warm up to prevent injury. Concentrate on every major muscle group, then focus on getting your body attuned to the rigours that are about to follow. Giving your body this pre-warning is often enough to alleviate serious injury.