The Importance Of Stretching

Seasoned athletes may feel as though they're bodies are such well-oiled machines that they have evolved past the need for a good stretch before indulging in physical activity. Indeed, even the...

Seasoned athletes may feel as though they’re bodies are such well-oiled machines that they have evolved past the need for a good stretch before indulging in physical activity. Indeed, even the experts are at odds over the idea of whether or not to stretch before exercising. Some exercise physiologists urge everyone to take the time for stretching before exercise while other experts make the claim that there are no studies proving the merit of stretching beforehand. There is even dissention among those experts who agree that stretching is vital, because while some experts suggest gentle stretching before exercise, others assure athletes that a deep, long set of stretches is the best way to warm up before exercising. With so many varying opinions, how can athletes possibly hope to do the right thing and avoid sports injuries?

Athletes need to be in tune with their own bodies and figure out which method of stretching works best for them in order to avoid sports injuries. Most athletes agree that going from no activity to all of a sudden leaping forth to engage in a strenuous physical activity, but not every athlete agrees to the level of stretching that is necessary in order to ensure healthy joints and muscles. While some athletes swear by a long and intricate stretching regimen before exercise, others feel as though simply starting slow and eventually working up to maximum exertion is the best way to go. For example, a runner might start out by walking, then to a quick jog, and then to a full sprint. Even though there was not an actual stretching routine present, the athlete still allowed his or her body the opportunity to warm up before reaching the full exercise level.

It can take some experimenting before knowing how to best stretch or warm up prior to exercising. Some athletes find that their performance potential is increased exponentially when they take the time to do some stretching before exercising or engaging in a sport. Perhaps it is because their bodies are warmed up and limber as opposed to stiff and unprepared for vigorous activity, or maybe it’s because the stretching sends a warning to both the body and mind to get ready for some exercise. Whatever the reason, many athletes swear by stretching before exercising.

On the opposite end of the spectrum are the athletes who either find stretching to be a waste of time or actually find it to be detrimental to their athletic performances. Some athletes even make the claim that stretching is something that should be done after physical activity, but not beforehand. The truth is that most athletes find that a moderate amount of stretching only enhances their performance and helps them to avoid sports injuries. Even if some athletes do not believe there to be any merit in stretching there is no reason why they shouldn’t go ahead and try some stretching to see if it helps minimize injuries. After all, if stretching is properly done it will probably enhance performance and help stave off sports injuries.

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