Stretching has changed my life: Pain free, stronger, and faster.

[Floridatrainer]

Rewind back 8 months ago- still tight from knee surgery, constant back and neck pains, always tight and having problems with my muscles and getting aches from lifting and running...

I started stretching and rolling my muscles after seeing a chiropractor who told me to do so.

Resume present time- I no longer have back or neck problems, most of all my aches from lifting have gone away, I'm faster, my vertical leap has gone up significantly, and my strength in all my major lifts have gone up and most so in my squat. Life is much better now, my stress level is down and I seem to sleep much better because I am so much more comfortable. It also reduces the chances of injury in the gym and on the field.

This is a pretty basic and simple stretching routine: http://www.eliteathletetraining.com/...tretching.aspx

Rolling: Google foam rolling, and so so after you stretch.

Edit- Simple rolling routine http://exercise.about.com/library/bl...lerworkout.htm

Tools: foam roller, foam ball, stretching rope.

Just though I would share. If you have any specific questions feel free to ask, and I will try my best to help you with a routine or certain muscle.

Remember! Healthy tissues doesn't hurt. You can apply this to pain, and pain from rolling or stretching.

Edit- Some advice posted in all my replies.

[Donnie_Darko]

So do you stretch every day?
In the morning?Before bed?

[momo5]

thanks man , solid stretch routine, ive recently just been stretching legs and will now be doing this routine for full body.

[mavum]

stretching really does help with injury prevention

[godsangina2]

intriguing...

[mr_bill]

interesting

how long does stretching take per day?

[Floridatrainer]

So do you stretch every day?
In the morning?Before bed?

No, if I had more time I would.

interesting

how long does stretching take per day?

Depends on the routine, but for me maybe 30 mins and thats with rolling.

Everyones routine is different or should be.

[TroyMM]

I honestly need this, thank you.

my body is tight. and i get alot of aches and pains

[treefidddy2]

subbed for later

[powerstripe89]

i started stretching a few days ago after i work out and how i felt the next day was noticeable after the first time i stretched..

[fupa2]

[Floridatrainer]

I honestly need this, thank you.

my body is tight. and i get alot of aches and pains

No problem man, just do them right and don't go too fast.

Stretching will make your life so much more enjoyable and especially later on in life. My dad stretches, rolls, and goes to yoga. Two years ago he had to see a chiropractor everyday, but now he is training for a small triathlon.

[guest89]

Static stretching is bad for your muscles supposedly. So what do you do to warm up and how long does the warmup take?


How much is the foam rolling stuff and where do you get it?

[gekkoboy14]

It also reduces the chances of injury in the gym and on the field.

stretching really does help with injury prevention

does it???

[pabo45]

In for later read.

[FryDude]

Stretching is more taxing than actually working out, I don't know why Ihate it.

[Floridatrainer]

Static stretching is bad for you. So what do you do to warm up and how long does the warmup take?


How much is the foam rolling stuff and where do you get it?

I do either 10 reps for 10 seconds, or 4-5 sets for 20 seconds, and it works great.

Rolling: I just go until I can feel my muscles are releasing, but I'f I am in a hurry I do 10 reps (1 up and 1 down).

http://www.performbetter.com/searchr...tegoryid_e_235

That site sells rollers, there are plenty online and probably at cheaper prices.

[Floridatrainer]

Stretching is more taxing than actually working out, I don't know why Ihate it.

It really was for me at first, very painful and uncomfortable. But! Now that I stuck with it the stretching and rolling is enjoyable, relaxing, and I feel 100x better after every session.

[LiftBig315]

Stretching is more taxing than actually working out, I don't know why Ihate it.

urdoingitwrong

[Finnegan Bell]

I have been into stretching alot lately and I do most of these stretches.

Hope you brahs know that these stretches are done AFTER the workout not before it.
Dynamic stretches before ,static after.

[Errorist]

I hope you're not talking about stretching right before lifting weights. There's studies that show this is counter productive and actually increases your chance of injury. I've also tested it myself and there's noticeable strength differences.

[Culebra]

awesome website man (srs)blued

[Floridatrainer]

does it???

Yes of course. My doctor told me the reason my knee gave out was from imbalances that could have been preventative by stretching.

I hope you're not talking about stretching right before lifting weights. There's studies that show this is counter productive and actually increases your chance of injury. I've also tested it myself and there's noticeable strength differences.

No, I stretch every morning or before bed (typically hours before or after my workout.)

[luciano23]

can you elaborate on the importance of breathing with stretching? i always hear bout , make sure you're breathing etc, etc

[Alec Trevelyan]

Can you do a full split? I was a few inches away from it yrs ago.

[gekkoboy14]

Yes of course. My doctor told me the reason my knee gave out was from imbalances that could have been preventative by stretching.

I have not seen any evidence that stretching prevents injury.

[Floridatrainer]

can you elaborate on the importance of breathing with stretching? i always hear bout , make sure you're breathing etc, etc

It relaxes you so you can get a better stretch, it also helps you get into a deeper or more full stretch. Also with some stretches- say maybe your while stretching your chest- it can actually stretch the muscles just by breathing...

I know it is more beneficial in many other ways, sorry I'm limited on the topic.

[Floridatrainer]

Can you do a full split? I was a few inches away from it yrs ago.

No lol. Getting close, but I still have a long way to go because I used to be so tight and am not naturally flexible.

I have not seen any evidence that stretching prevents injury.

Type "stretching prevent" into google and have a good read. It's reduced pain in all my joints, helped my shin splints, etc, etc...So it's prevented injury in my life.

[R.Cranium]

Yep, ive seen the light with stretching as well. Had tendinitis in my knees for over three years from all the basketball and football i've played, but after a month of stretching after working out and before bed it was gone.

[Mac_xX]

I have not seen any evidence that stretching prevents injury.

Well you could just use common sense, as every professional sport stretches before (many of the times, after) they play...

Whether it be static or movement (can't remember the correct word) stretching, they all do it...