The Truth About Stretching
STRETCHING MYTHS EXPLAINED
Stretching is important to maintain healthy joints and develop the appropriate mobility
for your favorite physical activities.
Today, we are discussing some common misconceptions about stretching.
MYTH #1 STRETCHING BEFORE EXERCISE PREVENTS INJURIES
There is no evidence to back up this claim. Instead, focus on stretching consistently, not just before or after an exercise. Try dynamic stretching or moving while you stretch. These types of stretches not only keep muscles "conditioned" but can also increase range of motion and improve body awareness.
MYTH #2 STRETCHES SHOULD BE HELD FOR 30 SECONDS
The belief that stretches should be held for 30 seconds is a common misconception. While static stretching, where you hold a position for a set amount of time, can be beneficial, the exact duration is not as crucial as the quality of the stretch.
MYTH #3 YOU CAN'T STRETCH TOO MUCH
You certainly can stretch too much. If you’re over-stretching, it is possible that you might be irritating your muscles, causing inflammation, or eventually, causing a reduction in proper muscle tension. In addition, overstretching can actually decrease your range of motion. This is because when you stretch too far, your muscles go into a protective spasm. This spasm can make it difficult to fully relax the muscle, which can limit your range of motion
MYTH #4 STRETCHING LENGTHENS YOUR MUSCLES
You actually increase your stretch tolerance not lengthen your muscle tissue. Take this example: Imagine the simple hamstring test. When you sit on the ground and reach for your toes the first time you may not be able to reach, but after each attempt to touch your toes, you get closer. This is because your tolerance of the stretch has improved—not because you have longer hamstrings.
Faster Recovery. Less Downtime. Better Performance.
