New York Times health answer man Anahad O’Connor gives us the lowdown on the proven benefits of stretching before a game or workout. What benefits are those? O’Connor is still searching for them. The Times reports that one of the most extensive reports on the benefits of stretchings was published in October
in The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. The report reviewed 10
randomized studies, which over all looked at the impact of stretching
before and after exercise, in repeated sessions and in intervals
ranging from 40 seconds to 10 minutes. The authors concluded that
stretching had little or no effect on post-exercise soreness.
Read more from Anahad O’Connor.
Health, fitness and lifestyle tips for people over 50 who still like to play hard
Saturday, May 31, 2025
Hey, Geezer! I usually like the stuff you post here but I think your headline in this one is misleading hyperbole even if you are truly reporting what is said in the article.
I’ve been a wannabe athlete for 40 years and I can definitely tell you that I get more injuries when I don’t stretch than when I do.
If I had to quit stretching I don’t think I could keep on with any form of athletics.
Dave,
I confess that I stretch too, at least before playing soccer and before playing squash. It could be just habit, or superstition, but I feel more confident out there and probably play better when I know I have done a few stretches.
Geezer
The authors concluded that stretching had little or no effect on post-exercise soreness. I would have to agree…..getting “into” shape hurts.
I still believe stetching before and after exercise helps to prevent a muscle pull, like a hamstring, or groin pull.
I asked famed marathon runner and trainer, Jeff Galloway, if stretching was necessary and he told me what he tells all of his students. Forget about it! His philosophy is “walk-jog-run.” In other words, slowly warm up your muscles, tendons, etc. through gradual movement. I took his advice and would you believe that the chronic pain in my achilles heel gradually disappeared. In fact, I have since been running pain free with regular weekly mileage of 35-45 miles. The time saved by not stretching is also another nice side benefit.
Hey Geezer
This is most stupid article I have read.
It has no merit
Stretching and yoga has improved my posture and released
my tight muscles from years of running
Im taking you off my yahoo
We live in a world where, now, science has no merit. I don’t stretch and run between two and five miles a day. I do spinning and muscle training. I have to agree with the article, Dave Elmer, and Jeff Galloway, as long as the muscles are warmed up, there is no need for stretching (other than it feels good!).
FIRST: STRETCHING is a misnomer! Muscle-Lengthening(ML) is the proper terminology for the discipline. ML before exercising increases the elasticity and therefore lessens the probability of a tear. Perhaps after exercising it is less necessary, but a short session helps to get the body back to Homeostasis, or calming after an intense session. You probably will never need to pay for a chiropractor if you do a session of ML which includes some yoga and pilates moves before you exercise. I am a trainer and have been thoroughly into this activity for some time and know the results.
Tom Watson, PFT, NPTI
For once somebody else agrees with the notion that stretching is functionally worthless.Far more important to preventing strains and pain is a long and thorough warm up at the activity in question.Cycling is my thing and I know all to well that it takes several miles of spinning before any serious loads can be applied.A good barometer is its ok to go after you have reached a full sweat.
I agree with the article BUT stretching is very important. The whole point of stretching is to improve range of motion. Stretching should be geared towards improving the range of motion of ones particular athletic activity so that chances of injury could be minimized. This has nothing to do with warmup or cooldown. Also, stretching exercises can be used to improve quality of life activities – just look at some of the people at airports trying to put on and take off their shoes at security checkpoints. They can barely touch their kneecaps!!!
Studies have shown the stretching does not prevent injuries. People who stretch get injured as often as those who do not stretch. The other negative side effect of stretching is that it decreases the amount of power that the muscles can generate. The important thing to note is that warming up is different than stretching. You still need to, and must warm-up. That warm-up routine, however, should not include stretching.
Pro football should be a pretty good barometer
whether the program of stretching is worthwhile. The “Super Steelers” of the 1970’s attributed much of their success to Stretch & Flexibility Coach Paul Uram. Hamstring injuries were minimized and first stingers spent their time on the field and not in the whirlpool. Four Super Bowl rings for the decade speaks for itself. Stretch, stretch, stretch!
Wow, that was a stupid remark. Strerching not only helps with flexability it can help tension in your body and helps the muscle grow by not keeping it bound up. Its amazing to hear this and when you watch ‘any’ pro team,they stretch out.
Stretching has helped me a lot and this explanation is completely contradictory..
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wrong diagnosis can make you helpless so if you feel that you are going through wrong diagnosis. you can claim that for hospital and for sure you will get the compensation