Is Stretching Bad?

Stretching has gotten a bad rep lately. It causes you to be weaker and lift less in the gym, and it's no good! Based on current research in the Journal of Strength and Condition I would agree with some of that. First things first, stretching is something a lot of people need to do especially considering a majority of us sit all day. Tight hip flexors, hamstrings, and weak/inhibited glutes are major contributors to low back pain--something a whopping 80% of Americans get at some point in their life!

Let's examine further, if you are an athlete or competitive lifter then chances are a static stretch before competition isn't the best method to enhance your performance. For the average gym rat, I don't think it has much relevance as long as a proper warm-up is utilized. Personally, when I stretch more I feel better overall...just a general sense of well-being. That for me is enough to encourage everyone to keep stretching. Does this research claim stretching is bad? Absolutely not, but it does highlight the fact that for maximum performance it is not beneficial. Too often the popular press misinterprets the research.

Stay tuned for more reviews and send in your questions to ryan@patrickperformancetraining.com

Yours in health,
Ryan Patrick