Over the last few years, the debate to stretch or not to stretch has been a heavy topic of discussion. Many of us have grown up with the belief that stretching before and after a workout is a great way to prepare the body to move and then recover after we sweat. However, what if I were to tell you that stretching may not be as great as you think.
Think about it. When you stretch a muscle, it is being lengthened and forced out of its natural state. And while muscle cells are being stretched, so is the fascia (the connective tissue that surrounds muscles and organs). If you stretch too much, this fascia loses its ability to recoil and the elasticity of this connective tissue can disintegrate. Therefore, it becomes less functional overall. So let’s stop this flexibility madness and focus on how we can really help the body.
Now, you might be thinking, well then how do I recover after a workout? What should I do to keep my body mobile? Don’t worry, I am here to teach you how to bring mobility back into your muscles without causing any damage.
In this article, I will discuss what stretching does to the body, the science behind stretching, and show you alternative ways to keep the body healthy. But if you really want to learn more, check out my webinar, Why is Stretching hurting you? Here, I will introduce you to Applied Yoga Anatomy + Muscle Activation ™ (AYAMA) and how this revolutionary way of practicing yoga can help reduce pain and risk of injury while increasing range of motion, stability, muscle strength, and alignment.