1 March 2008
Stretching … or stretching the truth?
Posted by Nick Katsarelas under: Nick Katsarelas .
For those of us who remember Romper Room, the hostess would occasionally lead the television audience in a song called “Bend and stretch,” during which we would, well, bend and stretch to the lyrics: ”Bend and stretch, reach for the stars, there goes Jupiter, here comes Mars” – or something like that.
Of course, bending and stretching is what we runners do before hitting the road. I do about 10 minutes of stretching before a run, with another five after my workout. I feel like it loosens me up, works out the soreness, prevents injury, and gets the kinks out of my neck, legs, arms, ankles, and knees.
I stretch, you stretch, we all stretch.
But this week, I read in The New York Times about a study that disputed that contention. Here’s an excerpt:
“Over the years, scientists have found that stretching before or after a workout has little effect on either risk of injury or what is commonly known as delayed onset of muscle soreness, the discomfort that comes a day or more after challenging physical activity.”
The article cited something called The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, which looked at 10 different studies on the effects of stretching. The authors concluded that “stretching had little or no effect on post-exercise soreness.”
The article concluded by stating, “For now, many experts say that what may work is a quick warm-up, like low-impact aerobics or walking.”
I’m reading the article, thinking, “This is either a bunch of bunk or I’ve been bamboozled for 25 years.” But here’s the thing: I’m usually a little sore after running, especially after long distances or speed work. I wouldn’t know whether the soreness would be greater if I didn’t stretch, because I do. My neighbor and fellow-runner Maureen doesn’t stretch, and I don’t see her limping around.
I have no reason not to believe this claim. But I also have to continue doing what works. So unless Coach Mike or Coach Terry suggest otherwise, I’ll continue to “bend and stretch, reach for the stars … “
3 Comments so far...
Shelly Says:
1 March 2008 at 3:59 pm.
Lol–Romper Room–I remember! Ack! Nick–I warm up with a walk first and then cool down with a walk AND stretching. I say do what feels right for your body! I know some people can just head straight out the door for a run. While I CAN do that, I know my body recovers better if I do the pre-run walk first. Defy the “experts!”
Steve Kelly Says:
1 March 2008 at 5:54 pm.
I’ve found that I can be too aggressive with stretching and it can make me sore. I do however find that, especially after my last injury, that it really helps with performance and recovery. That being said, my mom, in her day a long time runner, never stretched and doesn’t regret it…I think you have to listen to your body.
Deb Says:
5 March 2008 at 8:56 am.
Hi NIck. . . welcome back. I do a minimal amount of stretching before I run. I stretch a lot when I finish my run. The pilates and yoga I do have made a huge difference in how my muscles feel. . . even after a run. Stretching is hugely important in my opinion.