Stretching Myths

By Shane Sauer

Have you noticed the new stretch-out facilities popping up around town? I have because I’ve been getting a lot of questions about them.

When it comes to improving your flexibility, there are some important things you should know and some myths that need to be put to rest.

Today, let’s take a look at three of the most common stretching myths:

1. Stretching lengthens your muscles
   If this were physically true, every Yogi would have drooping muscles that just hang off the bones like overstretched rubber bands. In reality, stretching just teaches your brain that it is safe for a muscle to be in a more lengthened position. Once your brain is comfortable with that fact, you can return to that position more easily next time.

2. Stretching needs to be intense
   While stretching can create an intense sensation, it probably means you have gone too far. Especially when your muscles begin to shake. When that happens, your brain does not feel safe because it is trying to by creating more tension. This is the opposite of what you want to achieve! Instead, as soon as you begin to feel some sensation, breathe through it. The sensation will lessen or you’ll go further with the same amount of sensation.

3. Stretching has to be done immediately before/after workouts
   These are convenient times to stretch, but you’ll get just as much benefit from stretching at any point during the day. Static or held stretches are often relaxing to your nervous system. Before a workout, this could be detrimental for high-performance explosive athletes but is typically beneficial if you’ve just finished a high-stress workday. When you’re warm after a workout, stretching is easier, feels better, and relaxing is a good idea.  
   I hope you find this interesting! Next week, I’ll give you some important facts you should know about stretching.

Don’t forget, you can get started working on your flexibility this week by coming to our Yoga class on Friday at 9:30 a.m.