Does stretching help or hinder?
Stretching is recommended as part of warm-ups by most trainers. Some researchers, however, say this is a bad idea. Stretching before training, they say, decreases power and output; and it does not “relieve” the muscles or help to train hard, they warn. Greek researchers tested the effects of stretches lasting from 10 to 60 seconds on performance. Stretching for 30 seconds decreased isometric strength by 9 per cent and stretching for 60 seconds reduced power by 16 per cent. Stretching for 30 seconds or more had similar effects on decreasing muscle power. Static stretching should, therefore, be avoided before exercises that call for maximum strength and power, they say. Scientists also warn that stretching a cold muscle may invite injury!
