Robert Hutchins, an American educator, once said, “Whenever I feel like exercise, I lie down until the feeling passes.” I love that quote, it makes me laugh every time I read it, but I definitely don’t subscribe to the same sentiment. And since I’m pretty active and often tend to push myself pretty hard (to the chagrin of my physio), I find I’ll occasionally be walking stiffly and whining every time I climb the stairs or get into or out of my chair at work. When that happens I tend to ask myself, “Did I remember to stretch after (insert recent activity here)?” Usually the answer in those situations is “No.”
That was definitely the answer the other day when I ran into work on a chilly morning and didn’t leave time to stretch. Once again I’ve been talked into taking part in that annual Vancouver event that always reminds me of the great wildebeest migration in Africa—the Sun Run.
However, like many people, I kind of fell off my training routine over the holidays. Throw that together with running in the cold and not stretching, and you end up feeling a bit stiff when you go to get up from your desk a couple of hours later. Or at least I did. And it got me thinking about stretching and training, and all the things we do, or don’t do, to keep us fit for the activities we enjoy.
So let’s talk about stretching. In my opinion, cats are the best stretchers out there by far. They’ve got it down to a fine art and do it often. People… not so much. While some are obsessed with the practice, others shun it as completely unnecessary. I don’t have strong views one way or the other—my stretching practices are just inconsistent. When I’m doing dryland training for rowing or a session on the stationary bike I always stretch after, but if I’ve just finished two hours of intense on-water training, a long road ride, or an afternoon of snowshoeing… I usually don’t. Why? I have no idea. Perhaps it’s just more convenient to stretch when I’m already in the gym, even though I walk right past the gym with the stretching mats when I go from the boathouse to the locker room.
And what about the before, after, or both question? I read somewhere about a study that showed that sprinters who stretched before a race did not finish as well as those who raced with tight muscles. Really? It seems there are a lot of studies out there and you can find one to support pretty much any viewpoint. Personally I think that you should just do what works for you and not worry so much about what others think.
As for me, I never used to be a yoga person but lately it has come to my rescue as a great way to stretch and stay flexible. And I often use yoga or Pilates moves in my stretching routine (when I remember to actually do it) because they generally find muscles you can’t get to with other simpler stretches. Plus when I’m training really hard for something… my foam roller is both my enemy and my friend. If you’ve ever used one, you will understand.
I think my stretching routine will forever be inconsistent and I’ve accepted that—it works for me. But when I do stretch I try to follow a few simple rules:
- Don’t stretch cold muscles (make sure you’re warmed up first)
- Don’t force a stretch
- Keep the stretch fluid
- Remember to breathe
Which side of the stretching fence do you sit on? Or are you also happily perched on top the fence as I am—stretching when you remember and not worrying when you don’t?
I always stretch before I play my drums, starting gradually and then going deeper, followed by a few warm-up exercises on a practice pad. When I cycle solo, I stretch but not so much with group rides, since most of them depart quickly and there is not enough time to stretch. I never stretch before snowshoeing or hiking.
For some reason I never stretch AFTER an event, be it drumming, or riding or snowshoeing or whatever. I think it’s usually because I’m too eager to get home and clean up and eat!
I completely agree with you Lonnie — the desire to clean up and eat usually trumps stretching.
Thank you for you’re refreshing honesty. I’ve read so many articles on stretching that infer a “holier than thou” attitude on the subject. The fact is sometimes you’re just to beat or had enough after a workout to bother with it. Not to mention everyone having a different response to stretching. So do it next time…. maybe! You’re idea that what’s right for one person may not be for anothother is right on.
Many thanks,
Bruce J
Thanks Bruce. Glad you liked the post.
I never stretch before/after exercise. Life is too short! And I’m old….
However, I do cold shower my legs after a long run and do a couple of sun salutations morning and evening most days – when I can be bothered.
I always forget to stretch… and then remember later that i had promised myself that I would start stretching more.
I also tend to do elevator stretches. If I am alone in an elevator, I will do the “try to touch your toes stretch”. I call it elevator “yoga”.
I love the idea of elevator yoga! You may be starting a trend here…
I have noticed that people that manage well in their later years usually have better then average balance and flexibility. You’ve reminded me why I should work at stretching, before, after, an as an exercise in itself!
I’m in my seventies (where did the time go?) and have never stretched. Walking, biking, rowing or weight lifting, I always start into the activity slowly and warm up that way. Nice post, though!!
I always try to stretch after climbing, however I don’t always remember.
It’s important to note that static stretching before an activity like sprinting or climbing that requires power will reduce your performance by lengthening muscle tissue. An active warm-up of light cardio like jogging (or easy climbing in my case) is the best way to prepare for intense exercise.