Stretching before exercise 'is counter-productive'
 

I have said this for the last 17 years.....link
Might help some CF members perform better at their sports :)

Re: Stretching before exercise 'is counter-productive'
 

Interestingly when I had to renew my membership of my local leisure centre, and go through the initial training again (they claimed they couldn't find a record of me ever going there, although, oddly, the new card has exactly the same member number as the old one, so I suspect it was an excuse to charge me an extra £20), they didn't mention stretching when talking about warm up exercises.

Last time I went through the initial training (years ago), I am certain they recommended it..

Re: Stretching before exercise 'is counter-productive'
 

Hmm, being somewhat prone to calf injuries when playing squash, my impression is that I tend to have less problems when I stretch my dodgy calf before playing.

Re: Stretching before exercise 'is counter-productive'
 

I have always found that streching before intense physical activity decreases my speed and focus. :shrug:
Warming up however, maintains it.
Warm up before, stretch after.

---------- Post added at 23:04 ---------- Previous post was at 23:03 ----------

Try simply warming up your calf.......calf raises on one leg while standing?

---------- Post added at 23:06 ---------- Previous post was at 23:04 ----------

They would have done. This research is under 20 years old and it takes at least 15-20 years for stuff like this to filter down to street level.....

Re: Stretching before exercise 'is counter-productive'
 

Cheers. I never thought of that. Having just tried 25, that actually sounds/feels like good excercise for that calf.

Re: Stretching before exercise 'is counter-productive'
 

For extra effect, try that off the bottom stair so that your heel drops lower than your toes......like on a calf raise machine. (but be careful not to slip off the step)

Re: Stretching before exercise 'is counter-productive'
 

Exercise:shrug: :D

---------- Post added at 10:54 ---------- Previous post was at 10:53 ----------

Oh Exercise :beer: :D

Re: Stretching before exercise 'is counter-productive'
 

I got some kettlebells a couple of weeks ago :cool:

Re: Stretching before exercise 'is counter-productive'
 

This is also suggested as a treatment for Plantar Fasciitis (Arch supports worked better for me). :D

Re: Stretching before exercise 'is counter-productive'
 

If I dont stretch then Id pull everything just running up the street but then my exercise for the week is climbing up ladders into peoples lofts, probably why Im on blood pressure tablets at 28 :( Weirdly I get some sort of "buzz" stretching my legs

Re: Stretching before exercise 'is counter-productive'
 

Arch supports just stop you streching the plantar fascia. If you want to give it some slack (so you don't have to keep waering arch supports) stretch it :)
Also, freeze a round plastic bottle of water and use it as an ice massage by rolling it under your foot firmly.....