stretching

**MuscleGuru** · 10-18-2001, 12:27 PM

What are the best ways for stretching before working out?

Is stretching completely worthless? or can it help in muscle build up?

Perhaps it can help to prevent stretch marks?

**Pete235** · 10-18-2001, 12:36 PM

Go to fitness forums and ask these questions bro...lots of help there.

P

**Billy Boy** · 10-19-2001, 02:03 AM

You should stretch before and after working out.It has also been reported that stretching during sets can help prevent muscle soreness.The main idea of stretching is so after the excercise you can stretch the muscles and ligaments as they are normally subjected to "compact" movements.Therefore the muscle is under pressure and stretching helps to retain the elasticity of the muscle.

**MuscleGuru** · 10-19-2001, 11:12 AM

thanks,

how long should each stretching session be?

**Billy Boy** · 10-23-2001, 05:45 AM

It depends on how many stretches are being performed.You should hold the stretch gentlry for a count of 10

**Mighty Joe** · 10-26-2001, 07:38 AM

One key thing to remember is:
Never stretch a "cold" muscle! Always warm up first then stretch away.

MJ

**dumbells101** · 10-30-2001, 07:28 AM

Mighty Joe is correct...warm up and stretch beforeworkout. Stretching improves performance by increasing the available range of motion, and improves functional abilities. Stretching decreases the chance of injuries, particularly muscle strains, by increasing the elasticity of muscles and tendons. Stretching after training facilitates range of motion improvements because of increased muscle temperature. basic static stretching is slow and constant with the end position held up to 30 seconds. DON'T BOUNCE!

**dane26** · 10-30-2001, 10:09 AM

i stretch a little after every set. try to get some mroe blood going to the muscle. especially when i have a good pump, i like to stretch it out

**MarkyMark** · 10-30-2001, 11:43 AM

to add to the great post already .... stretching is important for added growth .... Calves for instance .... elogating the calf muscle thru stretching will allow a fuller more defined development .
Warming up the area and stretching after each set is helpful ...
'
good luck

**dane26** · 10-30-2001, 02:17 PM

i was just reading about that in an old BB mag. you can grow from elongating musclesfrom stretching. i didn't know that

**Pete235** · 10-30-2001, 02:23 PM

John Parillo has been a long time advocate of fascia strentching to promote muscle growth...I really should bone up on that. I really should incorporate MORE stretching into my training. My problem is I just want to get in, do a good warm up and lift...I know it's wrong and I really should make those adjustments.

P

**MarkyMark** · 10-30-2001, 02:57 PM

Your doing great Pete .... Anyone can improve however so keep modifying your program as you see fit....

**EXCESS** · 10-30-2001, 10:39 PM

I keep loose in between sets by doing a few reps without weight.

**Iwan2bsolid2** · 10-31-2001, 02:24 AM

I just started to incorperate it back into my routine...It's one of those things you forget to do alot of the time but make an effort and you will notice a big diference..