If You Believe Stretching Hurts Your Strength Gains, Then Think Again!

Let’s find out if stretching is worth doing or not // Photo Credit: Unsplash

Here’s another study review on stretching!

Static stretching is a Rorschach test for fitness professionals.

We all look at the same primary picture and see something slightly different.

Some see static stretching as a fix for whatever we think is broken.

Some see static stretching as a box to check on our to-do list.

And some see static stretching as a waste of time and energy that may be counterproductive to their goals.

A new study gives that third group more data to support their position. But only a bit. 1

Stretching vs. Mobility

When we talk about static stretching, we mean exercises performed to increase or restore flexibility.

We’re not referring to mobility exercises or drills designed to improve a movement skill.

One way to think about the difference:

• A static stretching exercise requires someone to get into and hold a position slightly beyond their normal range of motion.
• A mobility exercise requires someone to move into and out of a position within their normal range of motion.