30/04/2021
🔹Fact Friday 🔹
When we stretch our muscles, we are elongating the muscle fibres to allow them to become more flexible. Our muscles, tendons and ligaments over time will become more pliable and less likely to over stretch or tear.
So when does stretching effect us negatively?
Research into stretching is actually very contradictory, with some studies actually increasing the risk of injury. Stretching is therefore very subjective as it depends on what sport or activity you do. Some reasons why stretching can actually increase pain and chances of injury are:
1) Performing the wrong type of stretches in your warm up. Static stretching will not help before exercise.
2) Stretching if you are already hyper-mobile as you are susceptible to tendinitis as the muscles move too far past healthy range of motion.
3) Stretching before you warm up with a short cardio based exercise. The muscle needs an increase in blood flow before it is pulled to its limits.
4) Stretching past the point of mild pain.
5) Stretching a recently injured muscle. This will re induce inflammation and delay healing.
6) Stretching with improper form! Just like strength training, stretching takes practice and a lot of patience.
So think before you stretch! If you are unsure or would like us to stretch you, book a session online. Link in bio.
