Anyone else rarely ever stretch?

spinitoff

I run and bike a fair amount each week, but I haven't stretched before a workout in over three years. I only (informally!) stretch after a workout if something feels a little tight. I haven't noticed any difference since I stopped (other than it takes less time to get a run in!), and I haven't had any serious injuries since then either.

Is there a range of opinions on this, or am I the only one that things stretching might not be as critical as we sometimes make it out to be?

agentscully514

The most research over the last few years supports what you're doing. No benefit has been found to stretching before exercise, and in fact it can decrease performance and increase injury. There may be some benefit to stretching after.

Here are some links to reliable sources.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/02/sports/playmagazine/112pewarm.html
http://sportsmedicine.about.com/cs/flexibility/a/aa022102a.htm
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2010-04-15-stretching-muscles_N.htm
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/pre-exercise-stretching-killing-workout/story?id=11835944#.T34KUMBulDQ

mickeylg

I rarely take the time to stretch, but I always have aches and pains later if I skip it--knots in my back/shoulders, aching quads, sore hamstrings, etc. Trying to get better, because I think it really does help!

agentscully514

Mickey - you may be able to help the aches and pains by stretching after.

fitobsessed

I don't "stretch" before, but do warm up exercises. I have bad knees and I can't just go into a routine without warming up my muscles. I most definitely stretch after. The benefits for me are that I am less sore, and I have become extremely flexible.

Aperture_Science

I run and lift but rarely stretch (and never before exercise) as prt of my routine. I hate stretching to be honest.

but... I do find myself stretching out my shoulders and arms quite frequently at work (I have a desk job).

hesn92

No I don't stretch before or after a workout. I do stretch randomly at other times. Like while I'm watching tv or giving my son a bath I will get on the floor and stretch. Just because it feels good and I want to be more flexible. I used to dance so I used to be super flexible... Splits and all. And I do stretch if my muscles are sore.

MB_Positif

I pretty much never stretch unless I am doing a class where it is part of the class or if I am sore from lifting.

hbrittingham

I only stretch before running and that's because if I don't, I end up with an injury. I only stretch after running, too, otherwise I am crippled the next day. I think age has something to do with it, in my 30s, I never stretched and was never sore or injured. I'm in my 40s now and I definitely need to stretch!

I have also noticed at the gym that males are less likely to stretch than females.

JBott84

I usually stretch throughout the day. It feels good. Like someone else on here, I used to dance and I am sad that all the strength training I have been doing is limiting my flexibility, so (yoga is how I like to stretch) is a must for me. Everyday. Plus it is incredibly relaxing.

BrianSharpe

I do dynamic stretching before my runs (more of a warmup - get the muscles warm and my heart rate up a little) and after an IT band problem last fall stretch religiously after running. So far so good.

GoldspursX3

I always do a good stretch and warm up sets before I lift. I'm a male, 190 lbs 5'8 and can almost touch my forehead to my knees when I do a hamstring stretch standing. My OPINION is having this kind of flexibility gives a larger range of motion for my strength training, which means a better workout.

Sp1nGoddess

I do a dynamic warmup before pretty much any kind of exercise and stretch after. I love stretching and like to take advantage of having my muscles warmed up.

philco41

I don't stretch a lot, but tend to do it mostly after exercise. However, I'm 71 and now wish I had given more attention to stretching in the past. I've lost quite a bit of flexibility and it's not easy to get back at this point. Something to consider.

KatKatatrophic

I don't find the point. I use to stretch before volleyball games, but I actually stretched TOO much that I pulled a hamstring. I sadly couldn't play for a while. I stopped stretching. I mean, now I just stretch my arms lightly if they get tight.

jenilla1

I never stretch before my runs and I only stretch if I feel like I need it after major runs. I haven't had any injuries since I stopped stretching before runs. I make sure that I walk a bit to loosen up before I start running, though.

bregalad5

I typically do a deep low back/hip/leg stretch once a day. It only takes 10-15 minutes but really helps me feel less aches and pains. I have horrible knees, so I can tell if I don't do it because my knees cramp more often.

taso42

I went for a long time not stretching. I believed (and still do, to a degree), that a gradual warmup is all one really needs. And then I injured my groin with heavy squats. After that happened, I started foam rolling and doing some mobility exercises & dynamic stretching prior to weight lifting workouts. I find that it really warms me up, much more effectively than just warmup sets (which I still do), and thusfar it seems to have gone a long way in preventing further injuries, and making the whole workout feel "looser" and better. I'm planning to stick with it for the foreseeable future.

KrisyKat

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guilty as charged :laugh:

heatgal976

I'm in my 30's and I stretch before and after I run. I suffered a pinched nerve/sciatica episode that took ages for me to feel 100%. When I stretch, I aim for my back and hip area to prevent future problems.

SassyCalyGirl

I do dynamic stretching before my runs (more of a warmup - get the muscles warm and my heart rate up a little) and after an IT band problem last fall stretch religiously after running. So far so good.

this is me too. IT Band injury about a month ago
I also stretch before bed-it helps me alot.

Fit_and_Healthy

I don't stretch unless something feels tight. I have been meaning to add stretching to my routine though to increase my flexibility.

ironanimal

I click my back and joints that feel tight before a workout if that counts, but I never stretch and I've been lifting for about two years without any injury. Doesn't really feel necessary to me.

ajp913

I stretch every workout... i warm up before stretching though. I'll bike five minutes, then do a really good stretch. I've found that i perform better after stretching. But, as you can see from the fact that I start every sentence with "I," this is just me. everyone's different. I just know that if I don't stretch before I run, calf cramps and hip stiffness will derail me before I get far.

amymaria91

Exactly the same as you. I don't stretch before and only stretch afterwards if something feels tight. In the rare occasions I am sore the next day, I always find more exercise helps

JoniBologna

I am also guilty of this. I do vinyasa yoga about once a week, which helps with flexibility. I will stretch if I am sore or having cramps. However, I am not religious about doing it after runs and hikes. Hopefully I don't regret this too much later.

UrbanRunner81

I never stretch before hand, I warm up with light cardio. I do always stretch afterward for 10 minutes though. I feel I need to.

bondavbriwil

I do a dynamic warmup before pretty much any kind of exercise and stretch after. I love stretching and like to take advantage of having my muscles warmed up.

+1

The research I have read supports the practice of a warmup or dynamic stretching before and after. So thats what I do.

BrianSharpe

I always do a good stretch and warm up sets before I lift. I'm a male, 190 lbs 5'8 and can almost touch my forehead to my knees when I do a hamstring stretch standing. My OPINION is having this kind of flexibility gives a larger range of motion for my strength training, which means a better workout.

My stomach still gets in the way :laugh: but I get some funny looks when I touch my toes and then get my palms flat on the ground.

StartingAnewDay

I am now 42.. Went to doc.. You have plantars fasciitis and tarsal tunnel in your ankle..Me: huh!! Why!! Doctor: O it's probably been building for years, do you stretch your feet before walking or jogging? The ligament that runs under your foot has been tightening and tightening, as you get older that gets less resilient and begins to pull away from the bone.. and also creates mini tears and could get bad enough to require surgery.. me.. 6 month of severe limping pain.. sleeping in a boot..

Me.. Dr. My shoulder is killing me!! Dr... You have torn rotator cuff, how much weight do you lift and are you spending any time warming up or stretching out those muscles before or after???

Me: Dr.. My knees... (short version) meniscus tear in both.. 3 Different doctors.. 2 knee surgeries, 2 torn rotator cuffs, plantars fasciitis and tarsal tunnel.. a partridge in a pear tree..

Food for thought.. some surgeries have an only 1% death rate.. problem is,, someone has to make up that 1%.. Why not do things that may lesson your chance of bieng in that 1%... I will now stretch... Who needs a study when you get older and the reality of the bad habits you founded when young come back to slap you in the face...

kassied09

I practice yoga almost daily but I don't really stretch right before/after a workout. But the yoga definitely helps a lot of the pain either way.