Chapter 6
Chapter 6: The Scoop on Stretching .............................................................................
In This Chapter
Understanding the benefits of stretching
Knowing when to stretch
Going through a stretching routine
Investigating alternatives to traditional stretching
I
f you’re like most people, stretching ranks right up there with flossing and
oven cleaning on your list of least-favorite activities. Many of the most
dedicated athletes we know hate to stretch. And prominent stretching
researchers have admitted to us that they have trouble getting motivated to
stretch — despite the fact that their own studies demonstrate the importance
of flexibility training. The designer of a popular stretching device even admit-
ted to Liz that he usually skips the stretching part of his workout. “Because
stretching doesn’t help you lose weight or make your muscles bigger, it’s the
first thing to go when you’re short on time,” he said.True, stretching won’t burn many calories or sculpt you a physique like Brad
Pitt’s, but a few minutes of daily stretching is a very wise investment. So, in
this chapter, we explain what stretching can do for you, give you the lowdown
on several different stretching methods — including the very-hot method
called Active Isolated stretching — and show you some basic stretches that
you can use right away.Why You Need to Stretch .............................................................................
Stretching is the key to maintaining your flexibility — in other words, how far
and how easily you can move your joints. As you get older, your tendons (the
tissues that connect muscle to bone) begin to shorten and tighten, restricting
your flexibility. Your movement becomes slower and less fluid. You don’t stand
up as straight. You walk more stiffly and with a shorter stride. You find it more
difficult to step up to a curb or bend down to pick up the trash. Stretching
your rear thigh, hip, and calf muscles can make a big difference.