|
Journal Living Magazine
Column #48, 19th July 2008 Functional Trainer Discussing the Myths of Health and Performance: Stretching
In a series of fortnightly articles we will discuss the myths and contentious issues that exist in the health and fitness world. This will contribute to a comprehensive approach to your Health and Performance. Thank you to those who took the opportunity to give some valuable input following the last column.
Getting tied up in knots
As suspected, a major topic of debate is that of stretching. It is often misunderstood. The idea that we should stretch for the sake of it being part of a routine is typically detrimental. It should be carefully programmed, just like any exercise you do.
When your goal is to improve your health and performance, there will be a degree of focus on improving or maintaining your levels of joint mobility. To build a strong structure that can perform the demands put on it, our bodies need healthy joints that can produce whole-body movement patterns efficiently.
What type of stretching is best? For how long and how often? When is the best time to stretch? All excellent questions and the answer is one of complex-simplicity. Put simply, it depends. The stretching technique used to improve mobility of the joints will vary from person to person, sport to sport and across many other factors.
To add complexity to the topic, it really does matter who, why and when. One type of stretching may be suitable for improving the mobility of one individual, yet be responsible for poor results of another.
The Static Myth
Key to this discussion is that there is no evidence that static stretching actually increases dynamic performance. In fact, it could be damaging to some joints. Considering that we all move dynamically in our daily and athletic activities, this is important to take on board.
Remember that improving joint mobility is specific to you actually performing a controlled movement. Like being able to bend down to the floor to pick something up, which requires mobility through the ankle, knees, hips, spine and shoulders. This principle relates to the fact that active flexibility stretching techniques are most likely to be most beneficial. Your body will be educated into being able to produce the movement successfully.
In short, for sports and especially explosive sports like throwing, stretching must be very carefully considered. Here the athlete uses a coiled spring like motion to produce power and aimlessly trying to increase a range of motion may inhibit this elastic force.
Myths to be covered
Again, this is your chance to have some input. What topics, trends, exercises, and advice do you want some clarity on? Find out how it relates to you? Please send me your questions and comments and I’ll be happy to feedback and open them out to discussion.
‘Functional Trainer’ provides Exercise Coaching, Bowen Therapy, Metabolic Typing and the BioSignature Technique for a Holistic approach to Health and Performance: www.functionaltrainer.co.uk. Or Contact. More Published Health and Performance Articles
|
