The big Stretch

Some say it is an essential component of exercise. Others are not quite so sure it helps with anything at all. Then there are those who combine it with moves that defy all traditional exercise altogether.

So here are MY thoughts on it AT THIS TIME:

The idea of stretching is based on the fact that in time, through postural adaptations and poor mechanical use of our bodies, certain muscles become shortened and therefore lose the ability to fire effectively. This means that other muscles (likely the ones with a size advantage) are forced to compensate for the loss.

When one muscle 'substitutes' the strength or motion for another weaker or less advantageous muscle, it changes the way our bones move on one another. This is where we run into problems which is why stretching is necessary.

Reciprocal inhibition is the phenomenon which signals the muscle in opposition to the one in an excited state to relax. This means that the firing of one muscle group should lead to the lengthening of the opposite. Example: when you perform a bicep curl, your tricep muscle is lengthening to allow you to move through the full range of motion at the elbow.

Yoga is effective to improve flexibility of our body by the incorporation of active stretching elements, added to the meditative state which allows our muscles and brains to understand the idea of a muscle's elongation.

Yes, I'm saying that a mental block could be to blame for your inflexibility!

What does this mean to you?

Active stretching with the understanding and realization that one muscle contracts while the other lengthens can be a highly effective method of re-balancing muscular relationships.

Most individuals who experience 'stiffness' in muscles have not fully understood the relationship of allowing a muscle to elongate and therefore suffer as a result (barring any physiological block).

It is important that I emphasize that the exerciser is able to actively promote relaxation to the lengthening muscle to maximize this effect. This can further enhance performance in a variety of muscle excitation events (walking, running, jumping, sporting) by allowing proper lengthening at the appropriate timing and sequencing in a specific movement.

What are your thoughts on stretching? How often and how do you do it? Have you seen a change in your performance as a result?