My former sports coaches and coordinators used to tell me that regular stretching is as important as exercise itself. Stretching is the best pre-race warm-up and the best way to improve your performance. It should also help you to avoid some muscle injuries.
I have to admit, I neglected this essential aspect of a usual athletic regime on everyday basis, except for championship and race events. I could stretch for nearly 4 consecutive hours before a race started. What I lacked in consistency, I needed to make up for in intensity. I always felt extremely stiff after stretching my legs and I knew even at the time that it slowed me down. I can't see by any stretch (haha) that it could increase my range of motion as well.
Recently I read a scientific article about revealing that stretching before a run can result in a 5 percent reduction of efficiency. WHAT? I was right all along! Stretching is counterproductive! Aha-haha-ha, coaches, who shot ya'? The sad truth about this is that the world familiarizes itself with this fact too late. That's a huge emotional letdown.
I have never stretched since 2009 anyway. The bee can fly without any preparation.
Hey! What a cool discovery! According to the article, you've been right about this all along, haha!! But I still think that stretching should not be underestimated, because just as it can result in reduction of efficiency, it also warms you up, lengthens tight muscles and generally improves your flexibility.. Or perhaps, it is just something I never really thought about that much so all my views on this are those that I was told at P.E. classes in elementary school :)
ReplyDeleteThey lied to you. :D Thanks for your comment. :)
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