Anyone else rarely ever stretch?

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  • shesajoy
    shesajoy Posts: 11 Member
    I used to be that way - I practice yoga now, so I get plenty of stretching, but even with that, there are some muscles that yoga does not get. It is never a big deal until you hurt yourself, and the older you are, the more likely that is to happen. I turned 40 last year and tore a calf muscle, doing nothing unusual. Crutches, physical therapy, and 20 lbs later, here I am, lol! Warm up beforehand, but I would encourage you to do at least minimal stretching of your major muscles after each workout. People don't "like' to stretch because it is uncomfortable; the more you do it, the less uncomfortable it is, and the better it feels. ;)
  • TLC1975
    TLC1975 Posts: 146 Member
    Honestly I use to stretch before and after a workout and my runs.....slowly over time...I ran out of time and stopped stretching all together...and I haven't noticed a huge difference either way not in flexibility or injury...What I have noticed since not stretching is I don't get knots and rarely get sore anymore..I have knee issues and a herniated disc...and neither have plagued me a great deal since I stopped stretching....I customize my workouts around my weak points and take an extra rest day if one or the other (knee or back) is bothering me...
  • spinitoff
    spinitoff Posts: 33
    Well that's reassuring! I do tend to warm up a little first: a short walk before a long run, or some low MPH spinning for 5-10min before taking off. Works for me!
  • agentscully514
    agentscully514 Posts: 616 Member
    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.

    This is a great thing to point out. Many people tear muscles or tendons *from stretching*. I tore calf muscles in both legs (20 years apart) and both times it was while I was stretching. I wasn't doing anything extreme, just a little calf stretch, and POP! so it certainly does have its dangers.
  • knowkeys
    knowkeys Posts: 28 Member
    I rarely strecth before a run or cycle unless it is a race or more competiive. I will then do a warm up and some stretching.
    I stretch during a run when the muscle feels tight and only a few extensions. I sometimes stretch on completion of a long run (over 5km) but only for a few minutes.

    I should do more, I am not flexible and can just about touch my toes with bent knee. Stomach is in the way, LOL.

    I need to stretch more, however, I am rarely injured (touch wood) so will need to build my stretching and flexibility.

    Whatever works for you, I suppose.
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