The reason we've been taught to stretch is to prevent injuries. If stretching reduces the power output from my muscles while also reducing the chance that those muscles will get hurt, I would stretch every time, especially before practice. I have read research pointing in each of three directions: stretching prevents injuries, stretching does not affect injuries, and stretching either causes or increases the chance of injuries. I have also seen research that says that repetitive extension, such as during active warm ups, can increase the chance of injuries. I haven't seen conclusive data on either subject, but this article sheds no light on these issues.
~ Yuriy
On Sun, Dec 21, 2008 at 8:35 PM, Riley Marsh <jamesmar@...> wrote:
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Ashley Michael Karitis <karitis@...>
To: usc-ultimate-l@...
Date: Sat, 20 Dec 2008 17:35:58 -0600
Subject: No More Static Stretching!
This is a great article! Read it and weep! Or just alter your warm-up a bit...
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/02/sports/playmagazine/112pewarm.html?ref=health
Cheers,
Osh
--
Ashley Michael Karitis, Producer
Member, Life's Waltz Productions, LLC
karitis@...
lifeswaltz.blogspot.com