Dynamic Stretching in the NYtimes

Spinning and Cross Training
1

So finally, my no-stretching routine is legitimized!

Well, my no-static-stretching routine.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/02/sports/playmagazine/112pewarm.html?em#

(you may have to sign up for nytimes to read this, but its free, so do it.)

2

Only if you’ve already viewed your whatever number of pages you’re allowed. Loaded up for me without a problem. NYTimes uses IP tracking or a cookie or something to limit the pages you can read a day without registering.

3

This is gold, my g/f is always on my case for not doing static stretching - nothing like vindication :lol:

4

Thanks for the link Ben.

I’ve always abstained from cold static stretching, but I don’t see such a distinction in this article. For me, stretching after some light spinning feels great and I don’t mind being a little weaker for half an hour that I’d spend warming up more on the bike anyway, it’s a small fraction of a ride.

For me, stretching is most important right after exercise and keeps me from getting death cramps in the middle of the night. This article seems to condemn static stretching in general but then only gives advice for warming up. Are we supposed to do lunges and core exercises after a race?

5

I’m with you on that one, I’ve never really stretched as part of a warm-up, other than leg swings when I used to ski, but a bit of stretchy stretch once I’m done has always helped me not get too stiff.

6

so, from what i got from the article is that basically they’re telling you not to stretch without warming your muscles up first. stretching is not a “warm up”. every coach i’ve ever had has never had us start our warm up with stretching, rather with a light little jog, which would then get the muscles warmed up for the activity. stretching before your muscles is also dangerous, you can even injure yourself. but, you should always stretch AFTER you get off the bike to prevent muscle stiffness and so on. so this article isn’t saying that static stretching in any form is bad, it’s just saying that stretching before you do anything is bad. dynamic stretching, or movements is good. basically you just want to get your heart rate up and you body moving and the blood flowin’. personally, i just incorporate my warm up into my first few kilometers on the bike.