Comments on: To stretch or not to stretch?

By: gubernatrix

gubernatrix — Sun, 09 Sep 2012 17:47:23 +0000

Hi there, I have had a look at your blog and I have no problem with you using the post in the way you describe.

By: USMC OCS Blog

USMC OCS Blog — Sat, 08 Sep 2012 21:56:29 +0000

Ma’am,
Would you mind if we used this post as a guest post (with full linkback) on our blog, which educates future candidates to the US Marine Corps? Many of our readers need to learn these lessons for their personal workout habits.

By: gubernatrix

gubernatrix — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 13:37:32 +0000

Why would one do deep stretching after a heavy weights session?

By: Charlie

Charlie — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 22:09:05 +0000

Great article, would be good to read your thoughts on deep stretching post heavy weights session? I have heard that it can cause deepening of the normal muscle tears i.e. micro to macro, which may increase recovery time needed but for no extra benefit? Conversely I know elite weightlifters who advocate it… re mma had an interesting chat with an experienced martial artist a few months ago who pointed out it seems a bit OTT/unnecessary to be able to do full splits etc unless you are trying to kick an 8 foot opponent under the chin goes back to your point about hypermobility/joint stability and the adherence to specificity I think

By: gubernatrix

gubernatrix — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 18:30:51 +0000

Good point Kyle.

By: Kyle

Kyle — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 09:27:31 +0000

I find people are less likely to hurt the next day if there’s a good stretch after a heavy weights session.

Even if it were useless, don’t underestimate “but it feels good,” though. For many people we work with, exercise is far from being a lifelong habit. If we can make sure that they feel better after a workout than they did before, they’re more likely to stick to things. Of course there are lots of useful ways to do this, not just stretching, but I think it’s a part of it.

By: gubernatrix

gubernatrix — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 10:16:26 +0000

In martial arts, extra flexibility is often needed due to the nature of the movements (high kicks etc) so stretching would be relevant here.
Current advice however is not to do static stretching before training but after, if you want to increase flexibility.

By: varsha tiwary

varsha tiwary — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 06:13:22 +0000

In a Mixed Martial Arts class that I attended recently the kickboxing session was preceded by deep stretches of the groin and thighs which we held for 100 or more counts.
Is it needed for martial arts ?

By: sumoman

sumoman — Sun, 26 Aug 2012 20:14:11 +0000

Many years ago I did static type stretches before my superheavy partials workouts. I’d do a sumo type lift working up to +500 kg moving the weight a few inches. You think that such a short range of motion, lockout type lift would not be affected by stretches… but they were. I got weaker until I suddenly realised that the stretches were making me weak.

I now realise that stretches make one weak, which is why I get a enfeebled flexible person to pick stuff off the floor for me.