Do You Need to Stretch Before Working Out?

That's obvious. I should stretch before and after a workout. Why would you even need to write a post about this?... huh... huh? If I am writing about it, then it's not so obvious. I learnt this one years ago, but when I go to the gym, I see people always stretching before lifting, or cycling, or... talking on their cell phones. I'm not even joking about that last one. Some morons go to the gym and spend most of their time talking, messaging, and/or taking selfies, whilst they pose next to any leg machine (why leg? I dunno). But that's a rant for a different day. Now, there are static stretches and dynamic stretches... for the most part. Most gym buffs do static stretches before their workout of choice, be it muscle, fingers or mouth (cell phone for the last two).

Static Stretching

What's wrong with static stretching?. Studies have shown that, his type of stretching, before exercises or any athletic endeavor does not prevent injuries or is beneficial for improved performance. In fact, it has been shown that active dynamic warm-ups involving resistance machines (leg extensions) or free weights (squats), were better for subjects than static stretching. The participants who did static stretching had a lower 1 rep max, when squatting and less lower body stability, when performing the squat. It should be noted that subjects were tested in each protocol after a 48 hr break, so that they were sufficiently rested and hydrated. Stretching consisted of 3 sets of 10-second stretches for the quadriceps, hamstring, calf, abdominal, and lower-back musculature. A meta analysis of multiple studies failed to show a link between static stretching and exercise performance. The study found that short duration stretches had no detrimental effect on performance, but, stretching beyond 60s had detrimental effects on exercise performance. Performance was defined as, improvements or reductions in strength, power or speed. In general, the research does suggest that stretching after exercise or any other time is beneficial and increases range of motion (ROM).

I would still take this with a grain of salt. If you're a ballerina, or some other performer where flexibility or ROM is important, before a performance might not be a bad thing. ROM is improved, and the decrease in strength might not necessarily be enough to hinder performance. In the case of an athletic event or competition, where you need maximum power, speed or strength, this approach might not be favorable. If I'm weight lifting, I won't stretch before I work out. I will stretch after, and to be honest in my personal experience, I've found that not stretching, to be better. What most people do, myself included is perform a few warm-up sets with light weights, before the actual lift weight. This gets the blood flowing and helps warm-up the actual muscles that I need to perform the lift. I also get a chance to make sure I have good technique.

Dynamic stretching

Now, here's a type of stretching that seems to be beneficial at anytime, before, during, after exercise, it doesn't seem to matter. Dynamic stretches, include lunges, arm swings/ rotations (forward and backward), leg swings (forward and backward) etc... Dynamic stretching, is gentle and generally takes you to the limit of your ROM in a progressive manner (gradually increase ROM). This is done in a very controlled manner. A study on benefits of dynamic vs static stretching, on vertical jump performance, at Wichita State University, has shown that dynamic stretching increases performance compared to static stretching. There were various theories put forward for why this was so. Static stretching causes a more compliant muscle tendon unit which prevents muscles from being able to store as much elastic energy in its eccentric phase which decreases the amount of force produced. Additionally, static stretching causes a decreased neural drive due to a decreased reflex sensitivity following the stretch. Movement in dynamic stretching is also rehearsed in a more specific pattern than static stretching. Dynamic stretching actually increases neural drive by increasing core temperature. Several other studies, have demonstrated the advantages of dynamic stretching over static on athletic performance. There are other types of stretching, which I prefer not to get into (ballistic stretching). I just taught I'd look at the major types and determine what are the benefits and which is safe to do and when.

Summary

I hope you get my intention. The point was to examine the two main types of stretching and determine their effectiveness. I will remind you, I never said static stretching is bad. Static stretching, from the research, suggests that doing them pre-exercise has either no benefit (other than increasing ROM) or could reduce performance and make one susceptible to injuries. On the other hand, dynamic stretching, generally tends to improve performance, help with ROM and prevent injuries. Now, this is pre-workout or pre-exercise. Static stretching is just fine post workout, or just about any other time, removed from the start of a workout or athletic event. This means you could do dynamic stretching pre-workout and static stretching post workout.



 Source:

The Benefits of Using Resistance Bands

Resistance bands have become a popular alternative to traditional iron weights. Body builders and personal trainers use them effectively for a full workout. Seniors and people rehabilitating from injuries also use resistance bands to improve fitness. Why would one choose to use them over traditional free weights?

Safe

If one drops a resistance band on his or her toe, the toe is not likely to break. They are light, easy to move and safe to use. Dumbbells are heavy, awkward and can be dangerous. If one maxes out on a elastic band, he or she merely needs to release tension on the band. In comparison, maxing out weight on a dumbbell can cause injury. Hands down, training with exercise bands is safer than training with free weights.

Portable

They are light and compact. People who travel frequently can get a full workout by packing their resistance bands into a corner of their suitcase. Exercise bands can be stored in a drawer or under the bed. Free weights can take up an entire room or closet. In addition to their compact size, exercise bands much less expensive than free weights.

Effective

Since they are elastic, they do not rely on gravity to provide resistance. Therefore, exercise bands can be used in more ways than free weights. Resistance tubing become more taut as the band is stretched, which creates a heavier load on the band. As one pulls a 10 pound band tight, the load on the band could change to 30 pounds. The elastic nature of the band allows the user to challenge the ability of their muscles within a single exercise. In contrast, a 10 pound free weight will always way 10 pounds. Also as the band is pulled taut, it creates a kinetic energy known as recoil. The recoil of the band engages muscles both on the way up and on the way down. The effect of recoil is unique to exercise bands and works the muscle more thoroughly than using free weights.

They improve fitness on many levels. They are safe, easy to use and inexpensive. Exercise bands are small and can easily fit into a suitcase or drawer. Since resistance bands do not rely on gravity for resistance, someone who uses resistance bands has more exercises to choose from than someone using free weights. Time and time again using resistance bands for strength training has been proven to be an effective way of building muscle.

Source: