“To stretch or not to stretch?” is this still a question in the year 2011?
Why is this still an issue in the fitness industry? Stretching what? muscle, connective tissue? I still wonder how many FT’s know why a muscle has tension and what happens to a muscle and its connective tissue when you “stretch” it? Did your certification include a study on Neurology? Love to hear your opinion?
Hi Louie,
I’ve never heard of the word “microscopicly” before! Stretching doesn’t affect the muscle or connective tissues as much as it affects the soft issues of the endo and perimycium of the skeletal muscle.
It does appear that the most effective time to stretch is after a workout, as the environment of the muscle tissue is at an elevated temp. Since some of the connective tissue is plastic in nature, it make it more amenable to effective stretch.
Take care.