Training & Nutrition - Should I start stretching after a workout?

I remember my old football coach always made us stretch after practice. Lately though I have read a few articles by top coatches in various sports more or less saying there is no point. They advocate you only further break down muscles after a workout and that few muscles get too short from lack of stretching.

Oppinions? Articles on the topic?

I remember my old football coach always made us stretch after practice. Lately though I have read a few articles by top coatches in various sports more or less saying there is no point. They advocate you only further break down muscles after a workout and that few muscles get too short from lack of stretching.

Oppinions? Articles on the topic?

stretch, OH STRETCH!

Not stretching caused me annoying as hell knees!

stretch. The majority of my running injuries are due to lack of stretching. When i stretch alot, I don't get hurt.

Stretching should never be overated. Today, even with my weight @ 280 I can almost place my palms flat on the floor with my knees straight. As an athlete all of my life and a certified youth coach in 4 sports I believe stretching is very important especially when you are between 10 and 18 years old. I have seen talented 14 year old athletes who could not touch their ankles much less their toes. As flexable as I am about 40 percent of my injuries can be related to not streching enough. In the weight room I will often strech between sets especailly when I am doing low rep/high weight workouts. On the bike, anytime you stop for a break and you feel your quads tighten a quick stretch will keep your muscles warm.

I agree with all. I always stretch and I truly think it's beneficial. In any case, I don't see how stretching post work out could be bad for your muscles. So do it!

Pete
http://www.viovio.com/anthropete

I found that post-ride stretching helps me in quickly getting back to normal. Post-ride, I always stretch, then take a hot shower, and I have found that I am ready to go again in a very short interval.

Stretching also aids in flexibility, and this is good for all athletes in general.

I stretch after warmup a bit, and then after working out. I'm not an uberathlete but so far I've had zero pulls from regular exercise, just the usual soccer injuries from banging into people and twisted ankles, etc.

In theory your muscles work better when the complimentary muscle groups are flexible, even if they're not working. Like your quads work better if your hamstrings are nice and supple. I bet someone here can explain it a little better.

S T R E T CH.

One of the best primers on stretching I've ever read is here: Stretching & Flexibility (http://www.cmcrossroads.com/bradapp/docs/rec/stretching/)