Over the last few years, there have been many warnings about stretching prior to warming up one's muscles. Much of what I have read suggests that stretching prior to a run is at best neutral -- it produces no benefit. Worse, it might actually damage muscles. However, this article reports on a study of the effect of static stretching on endurance performance. The study concluded that static stretching prior to a run reduced running efficiency and endurance: Sweat Science >> Stretching is bad for power… and endurance running
It seems the best strategy, if you're going to stretch at all, is to stretch after your run when your muscles are well warmed up. Of course, there are a number of people who believe that there is no benefit to stretching at any time.
Well, for me, I'll continue to stretch after my run as I have done for the past almost 7 years.
Do you have a stretching routine? Do you stretch before or after your run -- or, perhaps, after a short warmup?
Run well, y'all,
Bob
No comments:
Post a Comment