Stretching

[Deciever]

I was just wondering who here regulary stretches.
I decided that im going to start stretching some what regulary to help my squat and deadlift.

When i was doing speed squats the other day, my friend pointed out that my lower back was starting to round, and it was probably from a lack of flexibility , or tightness in the hamstrings.

So i think im gonna try PNF stretching for a few weeks, and see if i can notice a difference.

Any one else every try stretching to see if it could help a lift?

 

[Arioch]

The only time for PL purposes that you need to stretch is when your lack of flexibility is inhibiting your lift.

For general health and fitness, stretching is a Very Good Thing.

Do not stretch heavily before a workout. This will inhibit the stretch reflex, which not only can reduce the amount of power you can generate secondary to the mytactile response, but can predispose you to injury.

PNF stretching is a great way to quickly improve flexibility, but if overdone can cause long term inhibition of the myotactile response as well. So can over doing even static stretching.

Dynamic or ballistic type stretching would be the most sport specific, but you really need to be careful if you have not done much stretching in the past.

Passive stretching as well as PNF can be useful, but should be used in moderation, and only after working out.

 

[Deciever]

i was planning on doing the stretching after my workouts, or on one of my off days.

I think it will improve my lifts a bit, as i may be able to use better form, since i'll be more flexible.

Also, with the addition of plyometrics, and the clean, i think my deadlift will go up a few lbs.

 

[Skizac]

I don't know if there's any scientific support for this, but I seem to feel less sore if I stretch after I workout, and again the next morning. I don't do anything major, just move the affected muscle through the full range of motion and hold it in the stretched position a few times.

 

[VDizenzo]

I agree with Arioch and so does my sports Dr. I however, have to get stetched in physical therapy because my upper body inflexibility has lead to some joint problems.