Stretching

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bonkers_1987

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Stretching

This question is kinda strange but I have always wondered.

If you have a hot shower, would this warm up your muscles enough to allow you to stretch without doing harm? As I've learnt, it is harmful to do static stretching before a warm-up and should only be completed as a warm-down so how about having a shower to warm the muscles up then stretching? I know it's a strange one but I've always wondered :)
 
Re: Stretching

Strangely enough, not strange at all Danny :D

Yes, you can stretch after a hot shower [hot bath would be better].

You can also stretch after a sauna or massage.

As long as the muscles are still warm, you can stretch them.

Sometimes I apply a heating sports balm to allow me to stretch guys with cold muscles.
 
Re: Stretching

To follow this question on,

I've been told many a time by my cricket coach, and now and again by my rugby coach. Is it ok to have a bath the night before a game? I've been told it isn't good due to it relaxing the muscles too much, therefore i suffer through a cold shower, should i worry as much as i do, because i dont want to do myself and injury :p
 
Re: Stretching

Stretching before playing isn't the best idea.

Research has been done into the effect if stretching on performance and it clealry shows a reduction in power production from stretched muscles.

Stretching is a good thing though. Just save it for after the game.
 
Re: Stretching

I never knew that David, so if i told my coach that i wasnt going to stretch, do i have a good reason to? :laugh: He'd probably drop me!
 
Re: Stretching

This is strange!

What evidence do they have to support this?

Unless you are suffering a heat wave, cold showers seem a little sadistic to me :eek:

Flashback the the 1960s PT Masters :laugh:

I would not recommend [hot] baths before a match due to dehydration but the night before is fine.

Out of curiosity, what level of rugby/cricket do you play?
 
Re: Stretching

Your cricket coach? He should be up with ECB recommendations to not stretch before and only stretch afterwards of you have stopped growing.

However a warm up is still vital.
 
Re: Stretching

Static Stretches are not only irrelevant within the game of cricket but are most likely to cause injury and loss of power.
[Kokkonen, Nelson and Cornwall 1998].

Static Stretching resulted in peak force reduction: 5% reduction in rate of force production and 8% decrease in Achilles tendon reflex activity.
[Rosenbaum and Hennig 1995]

Static Stretching resulted in a decrease in torque during eccentric contractions.
[Oberg 1993]

Static Stretches decrease eccentric strength by 9% for up to one hour.
[Bennett 1999]

Would you like me to go on? ;)

This all refers to pre-exercise stretches. As David said, warm ups are extremely important, as are post-exercise stretches.
 
Re: Stretching

Harrowdrive said:
Stretching before playing isn't the best idea.
Click to expand...

I can barely run in (very Munaf-esque) at the start of a net session or unadrenaline filled match.

If I should not stretch, what should I do?
 
Re: Stretching

Ah Manee, pre-exercise stretching is important; it's pre-exercise static stretching that is a no no!

You need to use dynamic flexibility. David has some great resources for you, unfortunately I have a client waiting, will get back to you as soon as I can :D
 
Re: Stretching

Liz Ward said:
Ah Manee, pre-exercise stretching is important; it's pre-exercise static stretching that is a no no!
Click to expand...

Oh, that is clearer, I'll find the resource articles now.
 
Re: Stretching

Liz Ward said:
Out of curiosity, what level of rugby/cricket do you play?
Click to expand...

Liz, i play for the 3rd's in cricket, playing one year up. I play quite a bit for the 2nd's as they play on a Saturday and we play on a Sunday.

Rugby, well not last season but the season before i was playing for Lancashire, but didnt progress through to the regional team (IE - North West) and i missed out last season due to injury and being crap basically. I did train alongside a friend for the Wigan Warriors acadamy, i wasn't in it ;) But i trained with the guys for a while due to a few people my coach knew.
 
Re: Stretching

Haha excellent. And there I was thinking it was a silly question. Looks like I'm having a bath tonight :) oh and stretching in there of course :)

Cheers Every1
 
Re: Stretching

Bonkers, i can just imagine the sight if anyone saw you stretching in the bath. Actually, on second thoughts, i dont want to imagine it ;)
 
Re: Stretching

Hmmm! You really do like to live on the edge. :laugh:

Remember, with all extreme sports [including extreme bathing] make sure you take the right precautions.

I think a snorkel may be called for here. ;)
 
Re: Stretching

Haha hey I'm a decent looking guy ;) Liz I have the snorkel and the wet suit all lined up. We have one of those bath/spas so I might turn the spa on for added danger :laugh:
 
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