Research Corner - Q&A Stretching Before Exercise by Craig Burris | Date Released : 17 Apr 2003 0 comments Print Close Question: During a recent group weight training class, I pre-stretched the hip flexors before doing lunges. The choreography was designed by a reputable company, and I never thought twice about it. A member questioned my intent and mentioned that she'd read an article in a physical therapy journal that specifically stated not to pre-stretch prior to performing an exercise. She mentioned the Gogli Tendon and it's response. Is this unsafe? Answer Stretching is a largely misunderstood science. We are told to stretch before and after exercise. The key is to do the proper stretches at the proper time. Prior to exercise, you want to stretch the "short/tight" muscles. This will "quiet" the muscle, allowing for better range of motion. Just as your client said, it will use the golgi stretch reflex to inhibit the muscle. The thing you don't want to do is stretch a weak muscle before exercise. The time it would be bad to stretch the hip flexors before exercise is if you have normal or long/weak hip flexors. You only want to inhibit the muscle if it is tight. As a side note, I always remind people that you can read two articles on the same subject both written by "authorities," and they will have diametrically opposed views. Use logic and common sense to sort through the sea of misinformation. References: Sharmann, Shirley. "Diagnosis and Treatment of Movement Impairment Syndromes." Back to top About the author: Craig Burris Craig is currently the owner of Peak Physique personal training. Peak Physique provides training in home and at select health clubs in the Twin Cities. Prior to this, Craig was the Director of Trainer education at BODYFIT, a personal training center in St. Paul, as well as providing treatment to clients at twin cities chiropractic clinics. Craig conducts educational seminars for trainers, physical therapists and chiropractors and writes articles for various web sites and publications. His philosophy is, “Achieve optimal health through exercise and nutrition.” Craig specializes in rehabilitation, sport specific training and nutrition. Full Author Details Related content Content from Craig Burris Stretching Before Exercise Shonna Porter | Articles Essentials of Integrated Training - Part 1 Mike Clark | Articles Integrated Anatomy for the New Millennium Lenny Parracino | Articles Best Time to Stretch Steve Rhyan | Articles Neuropathy on the Foot Craig Burris | Articles Crohn’s Disease Pain with SMR Craig Burris | Articles Weight Loss Difficulties Craig Burris | Articles Female Weight Gain with Workouts Craig Burris | Articles Cushings Syndrome Craig Burris | Articles Knee Surgery Rehab – Lateral Release Craig Burris | Articles Amino Acid Supplement – L-arganine Craig Burris | Articles Hernia Exercise Recommendations Craig Burris | Articles Vestibular Vertigo Craig Burris | Articles Hamstring Stretch with LBP Craig Burris | Articles Pooch Belly Craig Burris | Articles Spinal Stenosis Craig Burris | Articles Stretching Before Exercise Craig Burris | Articles Muscle Adhesions Craig Burris | Articles Glycemic Index Assessments Craig Burris | Articles Truth in Nutrition - Part 2 Craig Burris | Articles Disc Herniation and Steroids Craig Burris | Articles Spot Reduction for Arms Craig Burris | Articles Tight Trapezius Craig Burris | Articles Facio-Scapular-Humeral Muscular Dystrophy Craig Burris | Articles Hip Pain from Old Ankle Injury Craig Burris | Articles Truth in Nutrition - Part 1 Craig Burris | Articles Please login to leave a comment Comments (0) Back to top