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My Stretching debate....
- Thread starter HulkRow
- Start date
bignate73
New member
the point of stretching prior to a workout is to correct postural/movement deviations for a particular exercise or exercises. the problem with this is that relaxation stretching or static stretches held for a period of time can tend to slow the nervous system down or tell it to relax. then going into an exercise you now have to rev the CNS back up again. its a power struggle between slow down and speed up.
during a workout, the same is in effect. the point of stretching in a workout would be more of a dynamic ROM type stretch. short quick stretches, which keep the CNS primed up. long held relaxation stretches would again slow down the CNS. the only point of stretching during an exercise would be to stretch the OPPOSITE bodypart in order to reduce inhibition from tension. ie, stretch the lats to better do shoulder presses.
if their overall argument is to increase flexibility, mention the fact that functional or adequate flexibilty is all that is necessary to complete the motion without hyperlaxity in the joint (some tension is necessary to maintain joint stability). hyperflexibility can be detrimental to an individual based on what their goal is, and the newfound need to create strength in this new range of motion.
there is some good information out there regarding stretching, the need to do it, when to do it etc.
during a workout, the same is in effect. the point of stretching in a workout would be more of a dynamic ROM type stretch. short quick stretches, which keep the CNS primed up. long held relaxation stretches would again slow down the CNS. the only point of stretching during an exercise would be to stretch the OPPOSITE bodypart in order to reduce inhibition from tension. ie, stretch the lats to better do shoulder presses.
if their overall argument is to increase flexibility, mention the fact that functional or adequate flexibilty is all that is necessary to complete the motion without hyperlaxity in the joint (some tension is necessary to maintain joint stability). hyperflexibility can be detrimental to an individual based on what their goal is, and the newfound need to create strength in this new range of motion.
there is some good information out there regarding stretching, the need to do it, when to do it etc.
coolcolj
New member
I never stretch before a workout.
I just warmup with snatches and do some dynamic stretches for my legs and upper body. You know the usual arm and leg swings and shoulder rotations, as well cuff movements. Then I just do some 15 reps with a 5 lb dumbell for each bodypart. then I'm ready to go.
I don't bother stretching between sets either, waste of workout time. There is no correlation between dynamic flexibility and static flexibility
I just warmup with snatches and do some dynamic stretches for my legs and upper body. You know the usual arm and leg swings and shoulder rotations, as well cuff movements. Then I just do some 15 reps with a 5 lb dumbell for each bodypart. then I'm ready to go.
I don't bother stretching between sets either, waste of workout time. There is no correlation between dynamic flexibility and static flexibility
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I go with bignate on this one (great idea to stretch the antagonists!) prior to a exercise
Some warming up on a bike and progressive warmup sets with the weight should be all you need....
I fact I don't stretch between, but pose contract the worked muscle for 15 seconds (like good old arnold used to do). I do this only after sets of 10+ reps otherwise the posing eats too much resources too crank out another heavy set of 6-8 reps...
If u lack flexibillity you should definately stretch but after your workout or even at home....
What I am still not sure of, is it good/bad to stretch the targeted muscle DIRECTLY after the workout ????
Some warming up on a bike and progressive warmup sets with the weight should be all you need....
I fact I don't stretch between, but pose contract the worked muscle for 15 seconds (like good old arnold used to do). I do this only after sets of 10+ reps otherwise the posing eats too much resources too crank out another heavy set of 6-8 reps...
If u lack flexibillity you should definately stretch but after your workout or even at home....
What I am still not sure of, is it good/bad to stretch the targeted muscle DIRECTLY after the workout ????
bignate73
New member
i assumed you meant (since you stretch in the middle of your weight training) that you stretch as a response to the hypertrophy you are gaining mid workout.
tricky wording.
ideally you can stretch anytime outside the gym to maintain flexibility and minimize "tinman" syndrome. hehe.
its all good.
tricky wording.
ideally you can stretch anytime outside the gym to maintain flexibility and minimize "tinman" syndrome. hehe.
its all good.
