Stretching

[mm391]

Hi,

I see loads of programs and and people talking about the correct sets and reps range for gaining muscle or for cutting up or the best programmes to follow but hear very little about stretching and recovery techniques and the benefits for bodybuilders or people trying to gain muscle. Would you say this is vital in terms of maintaing you natural flexibility and therefore picking up less injures and being able to work the muscles to their full extent in terms of Range of Motion? Could this limit the possibility of injuries and niggling pains as you get older? I would be interested in here personal views and any scientific research in to advantages or disadvantages.

Thanks

MM

[Odevans]

In a word; yes.

[elmo322]

Definately its common sense if you have tight hamstrings and you play sport say hockey; you bend down to recieve a ball and this is done at speed then the result could be a tear as you exceed your ROM. Arthrokinetic dysfunction is an altered joint movement through imbalances and can be caused by obesity, repetitive movements etc and this will lead to injuries. Flexability alone increases performance in sport and this will also allow for more ROM in exercises for bodybuilding and should enable better gains. You don't need to look for studies just ask yourself who would win a 100m race between a guy doubled over with bad flexability and a guy who has good flexability and minimal muscle imbalances (you can't totally eliminate muscle imbalances)?

[JDC]

Bit of a random answer but regardless, I got all the P90X videos before and while I never (nor will ever, I imagine) follow the program or the do the proper 'workouts', that doesn't mean it's completely useless.

You will hear some people mentioning the Ab ripper X video on some bodybuilding forums but I have to admit, I use the X-stretch video, at least once a week. 60 minutes, full-body stretching and it literally kills me.

I would say, yes. Stretching improves my recovery and that's what I mainly use it for. Flexibility should be improved slowly over time and that is a great bonus for myself.

[Zeigler]

I did comment this earlier but it seems not have come up....

Summing up what I did say though - who wants to be strong and look great your body is functioning sub-optimally.

Flexibility should be at the top of everyone list, just under diet!