stretching

[binder]

we have a very rigorus(sp) weight lifting routine with USS swimming. We go more for muscular endurance, but it's still weight lifting.

i'll agree with losing power due to stretching pre-workout on maxes, but for an overall workout and GROWTH which he asked for, you need to stretch the muscle in its entire range. To get maximum growth (not discussing power) you wouldn't do limited range of motion exercises. You might as additional, but most growth will occur when you can include all the fibers through the entire muscle.

I'm a competitive bodybuilder now, so I do know a thing or two about encouraging muscle growth as do the trainers and other competitors I train with. I'll believe the 3 ex-bodybuilding trainers that have masters degrees in exercise science before i'll beleive "claims" that don't have scientific evidence and research to back them. Any basic physiology book will back up range of motion in relation to maximum muscular growth and developement. Remember i'm negating max reps and power exercises. That's a whole different story. Most workouts aren't going to be all max exercises anyways.

[B.E.N.]

we have a very rigorus(sp) weight lifting routine with USS swimming. We go more for muscular endurance, but it's still weight lifting.

i'll agree with losing power due to stretching pre-workout on maxes, but for an overall workout and GROWTH which he asked for, you need to stretch the muscle in its entire range. To get maximum growth (not discussing power) you wouldn't do limited range of motion exercises. You might as additional, but most growth will occur when you can include all the fibers through the entire muscle.

I'm a competitive bodybuilder now, so I do know a thing or two about encouraging muscle growth as do the trainers and other competitors I train with. I'll believe the 3 ex-bodybuilding trainers that have masters degrees in exercise science before i'll beleive "claims" that don't have scientific evidence and research to back them. Any basic physiology book will back up range of motion in relation to maximum muscular growth and developement. Remember i'm negating max reps and power exercises. That's a whole different story. Most workouts aren't going to be all max exercises anyways.

Again...I did not say "Don't stretch". I said stretch post workout. My 'claims' (if that is what you must call them) are supported by many on this board. But I am sure that there are others that suscribe to a different notion, such as yourself.

Let us not argue that what works for one works for all. Secondly you have no idea what my background is or is not and studies and experience have been wrong a time or two. But I am happy to provide you the information I derive my opinion from if you must.

To the original poster I encourage you to try both...determine what works for you. I only offer what has worked for me and been recommended to me.