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Old 05-05-2006, 05:31 PM
EricT EricT is offline
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I'm doing static stretches (not really sure what these are but, I just stretch the muscle and then hold it for like 15 seconds)
I'm assuming when you say "hold" you mean with some outside force which would mean static stretches. But just in case here are some quick definitions.

"Active stretching" is also referred to as "static-active stretching". An active stretch is one where you assume a position and then hold it there with no assistance other than using the strength of your agonist muscles.

For example, bringing your leg up high and then holding it there without anything (other than your leg muscles themselves) to keep the leg in that extended position. The tension of the agonists in an active stretch helps to relax the muscles being stretched (the antagonists) by reciprocal inhibition. Active stretching increases active flexibility and strengthens theagonistic muscles.

"Passive stretching" is also referred to as "relaxed stretching", and as "static-passive stretching". A passive stretch is one where you assume a position and hold it with some other part of your body, or with the assistance of a partner or some other apparatus.

For example, bringing your leg up high and then holding it there with your hand. The splits is an example of a passive stretch (in this case the floor is the "apparatus" that you use to maintain your extended position). Relaxed stretching is also very good for "cooling down" after a workout and helps reduce post-workout muscle fatigue, and soreness

"Static Stretching"

Many people use the term "passive stretching" and "static stretching" interchangeably. However, there are a number of people who make a distinction between the two. According to M. Alter, "Static stretching" consists of stretching a muscle (or group of muscles) to its farthest point and then maintaining or holding that position, whereas "Passive stretching" consists of a relaxed person who is relaxed (passive) while some external force (either a person or an apparatus) brings the joint through its rangeof motion.

Here is everything you ever wanted to know about stretching and a few links on PNF stretching here and here

Unless you have chronically tight muscles then there is probably no advantage to stretching before, especially if it means you are not going to stretch after which I think you should be doing. PNF has been shown in studies to cause short-term gains in strength so that is why I mentioned it. Whereas traditional static stretching is more likely to do just the opposite. Keep in mind that you are not supposed to stretch a cold muscle and this goes for PNF stretching too. You have to warm up first. For dynamic stetches, well, they are a good way to warm up in themselves.
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If you act sanctimonious I will just list out your logical fallacies until you get pissed off and spew blasphemous remarks.

Last edited by EricT; 05-05-2006 at 05:43 PM.
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