Several recent studies, many of which have been reported in this column, assert that stretching before lifting weights leads to a loss of strength during the weight training. The main purpose of stretching in that situation is to warm up the muscles and increase flexibility, but according to recent studies, increased flexibility is not desirable when strength and muscular performance during training are the goals. Even the necessity of stretching to prevent injury is debatable, with several studies showing no protection. At first glance it appears that stretching should be restricted to those engaged in nothing more strenuous than aerobics. Don’t confuse that with warming up, however. No one argues that a warmup increases muscular efficiency. The suggested warmup would be lighter movements of the same activity you plan to engage in.
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