Bike Forums - To Stretch, or Not To Stretch: that is the question

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- - To Stretch, or Not To Stretch: that is the question (https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/1166584-stretch-not-stretch-question.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flip Flop Rider (Post 21069508)

lots of opinions, lots of links, meh

if you feel you need it, do it. If not don't do it. Decide for yourself. Stretch and ride, don't stretch and ride. Stretch after or not and note to yourself what works best

did the soldiers that stormed the beaches of Normandy stretch? I don't know but I doubt it. There are different ways to warm up

Basically, I just wanted to say that there's no evidence you can do yourself harm by not stretching. So, to paraphrase, if it feels good for you to stretch, do it, and if it doesn't, don't.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flip Flop Rider (Post 21069508)

^^^ Hasn't yet seen the film "Saving Private Pilates". :D

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lemond1985 (Post 21069696)

^^^ Hasn't yet seen the film "Saving Private Pilates". :D

lol good one:)

I stretch, but for me it has nothing to do with cramping or spasms.

I'm just stiff and want to get more flexible. I do a boring office job and have bad posture.

I suffered from piriformis syndrome and scoliosis. When I was younger I frequently had injuries in my hip because of that.

After a series of excercises at a physiotherapist, I noticed it just felt good doing simple excercises.

I bought 2 second hand books from Kit Laughlin about stretching & flexibility, overcoming neck/back pain.

Since then I occasionally do a series of simple stretching excercises... just like other people do yoga, or meditation, or other things to make them feel better.

Since I'm doing that I haven't experienced any injury anymore in my hip.

So yes, stretching helped me and still does. But it has nothing to do with cycling actually.

For the daily short commute rides I do with my bike, I never stretch... but when I occasionally ride a longer recreative route on my bike I mostly add a quick stretch before and after, whilte drinking or taking a break. It's more a routine. Most probably it won't add value to the cycling itself, but it doesn't make it worse neither...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flip Flop Rider (Post 21069508)

did the soldiers that stormed the beaches of Normandy stretch? I don't know but I doubt it. There are different ways to warm up

Probably not... But sadly enough, so many soldiers died on the beaches.
Was it because of the lack of stretching?
Some research needs to be done here!

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimothyH (Post 21069600)

Stretching and warming up are not the same thing.

You can stretch as part to warm up.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sapperc (Post 20799235)

Static Stretching, and other exercises that stretch the body are most definitely useful in that done properly and routinely they promote flexibility. Does anyone really think cyclists cannot benifit from increased flexibility?

One certainly does not need to stretch or perform other types of physical training just to enjoy cycling, but neither should one dismiss the advantages of a well rounded physical workout regime.

Yes, but not before a ride. And not static. Incorporate dynamic stretches in your weekly routine to increase flexibility. But no more.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CycleryNorth81 (Post 20798531)

Do you stretch before, during or after a ride? Is it necessary?

Only after, and I try to do it every time. It helps with me with general flexibility and stiffness.

I never stretch before.

I sometimes stop and stretch my hamstrings and calves during the ride if they are tight. Usually after about 20 minutes.

I always stretch after the ride: quads, hams, calves and glutes (figure-4). I find it really helps improve my recovery.