It is often recommeded y sport and fitness professionals to strtch before exercise, is this good advice - Essay Example

ve a variety of benefits such as reduce the passive resistance of muscle-tendon unit, reduce injury risk, improve athletic performance, reduction of post-exercise soreness, to make the exercise easier and more effective and many more (Karl, et al. 2007; Magnusson and Renström, 2006; Ballard; Griffith, 2004). Despite these proclaimed benefits recent studies have concluded that stretching does not offer any promised benefits and that it is harmful to stretch before exercising (Ballard). And considering the fact that the entire range of potential benefits of stretching has not yet been completely documented there are several studies being carried for the same purpose.

Thus whether stretching should be performed before or after exercises is a well debated topic. Some professionals suggest that stretching should be done both before and after exercises as it would increase flexibility and reduce the chance of injury and would help in muscular relaxation, proper circulation to joint and tissue structures, removal of waste products from the body and reduction of muscle soreness and stiffness (Tackett). The one proven benefit obtained from stretching is flexibility.

Flexibility of the muscles and joints are vital for athletic performance and it can be developed by performing stretching exercises. Of the various stretching exercise static and dynamic stretching which involve slow and sustained muscle lengthening and full range of motion around a joint respectively are employed to enhance flexibility (Karl, et al. 2007; Flexibility Training Section; Tackett; Stevenson, 2008). A single stretching routine increases flexibility for up to 90 minutes but studies have shown that stretching performed on a regular basis have shown to have a better result on flexibility.

Daily stretching keeps a check on muscular imbalances, soreness and tightness caused during day to day activities. When flexibility is increased it in turn helps to prevent injury to the musculoskeletal system,