Does stretching really increase flexibility?

[gorillahung]

I noticed this way back when I trained in martial arts. I could stretch for 45 minutes before a fight and my flexibility did increase temporarily. However the next morning my muscles were just as tight as ever. I never did get a permanent increase in flexibility. I could stretch to the point where I could nearly do a side split but a few hours later I was as tight as ever. Can you permanently increase flexibility?

 

[stevesmi]

yes of course you can.

stretch after your weight training or cardio

flexibility is very important and I do not see enough guys stretching at the gym, I really hope they are taking the time to stretch at home instead. its a big mistake to weight train and not stretch afterwards

 

[stevesmi]

another thing I recommend investing in at home is an inversion table.

use it daily

foam rolling, most gyms have this and I utilize them after my workouts too.

 

[gorillahung]

yes of course you can.

stretch after your weight training or cardio

flexibility is very important and I do not see enough guys stretching at the gym, I really hope they are taking the time to stretch at home instead. its a big mistake to weight train and not stretch afterwards

I guess my point was that I can stretch daily for an hour and my flexibility does increase but that increase is only temporary. A few hours later I'm just as stiff as I was before stretching.

 

[stevesmi]

I guess my point was that I can stretch daily for an hour and my flexibility does increase but that increase is only temporary. A few hours later I'm just as stiff as I was before stretching.

could be several things.. you aren't protecting your muscles from cold.. or it could also be what you are taking. obviously if you are taking hardener steroids you will get harder muscles.

but that doesn't mean you still do not have to work at it. I was never a flexible person growing up myself.. i could never touch the ground without bending my knees, i worked at it for a while.

i would also recommend you try stretching in a heated location. like a sauna or doing hot yoga. the heat will increase the flexibility. and this is why i tell guys to stretch AFTER their muscles are warmed up, not before. stretching a cold muscle is not a good idea!

 

[muskate]

Stretching absolutely does increase flexibility, it just takes time for you to notice the results.

It's very similar to weight training. Right after your workout, you have a great pump and your muscles look a lot larger. A few hours after your workout the majority of the pump goes away. Over time however, that muscle will become bigger and larger.

Same with stretching. You will loose some of the flexibility immediately after each time you stretch, but if you are consistent, your flexibility will increase permanently.

 

[RADAR]

Some people underestimate the power of flexing, all almost everyone does it wrong, Stretch after training not before, I'll even stretch in front of the TV its part of my daily routine and is required in my martial arts training.

 

[McSatan]

I never or would ever recommend stretching before lifting as it lessens the contractions.

 

[gorillahung]

I never or would ever recommend stretching before lifting as it lessens the contractions.

Sometimes my muscles are so tight before lifting that I have to do some type of light stretching before training or else I can't use proper form. This applies especially to deadlifting.