Is it true that … stretching before exercise prevents injury?
Loosening your muscles is beneficial, but choosing the right type of movement for your chosen exercise is key
TL;DR
- Injuries can stem from poor footwear, fatigue, insufficient range of motion, or lack of strength to control motion.
- Static stretching increases range of motion but decreases muscle force by approximately 5%.
- Dynamic stretching does not increase range of motion as much but can increase a muscle's capacity to produce force.
- An effective pre-exercise routine includes a warm-up with light movements, dynamic stretches, and powerful movements like jumps or short sprints.
- Assistance training, comprising dedicated strength training and static stretching at a separate time, is crucial for building muscle strength and flexibility.