Is stretching good before or after any physical activity? Or is it not good at all? We never know, right? So the best thing to do is to ask the experts.
When in doubt, I know that a lot of people do not do any stretch, but according to physiotherapist Dr. Dalton Morgado, a partner of our blog, Sport & Health, we really need to stretch before and after any physical activity. Before, in order to prepare our muscles, which are at rest, and momentarily shortened, and after to prevent injuries and avoid muscle shortening.
Also, according to Maron Abreu, a teacher, Physical Education professional, and personal trainer as well, and an expert specialized in strength training and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries, and also a partner of our blog, stretching has no “when.” It is always beneficial. “It gives the body the condition of maintaining maximum amplitudes of all its joints. And it is common to have the sensation of relaxation after intense workouts, as well as the reduction of muscular pain after such workout, which makes us recommend the post-workout stretching as a great option.”
The amount of time proposed by personal trainers is 20 seconds of maximum static, which generates a slight feeling of discomfort. Perform one to three executions for joint movement.
The benefits of elongation are: it improves muscle performance and body fitness, gives you some relaxation, enhances blood flow, helps your flexibility and prevents further damage.
In terms of harm: when done in an exaggerated way it can cause ligament laxity, and muscle damage due to excessive muscle lengthening caused by stretching and pain.
Professor Maron Abreu explains that stretching is not a myth. It is essential to maintain good mobility, maintaining healthy joints, proper posture and functional movements.
Like any machine, the little use of certain joint function, can jam parts, create rust, increase grip and hinder its proper use.
What can be understood as a myth, not by professionals, it is the form of how it is applied, but that we are clarifying here.
“If we compare athletes that stretch before and after physical activities, with athletes who do not do that, we see that, without any external interference, the group that doesn’t extends present greater lesion score,” says physiotherapist Dalton Morgado.
Consequently, stretching before and after is important.
After the advices of those two experienced professionals, there is no doubt that we should always do some stretching before and after physical activities. As for the types of stretching and the ways to achieve them, we need to consult a competent professional. Each person has his or her limits and they need to be respected.
So, before running, before some weight training or performing of any exercise, stretch to prepare your body. I’m sure your performance will be better. I will certainly do it forever! We are together, huh? Let’s practice exercises, but without any injuries!
Paulo Servo, coach of track and field, responsible for the preparation of the Brazilian national 4×100, spoke about the importance of stretching for high-performance athletes.
Kisses! And don’t forget to stretch, huh?
