top
Save 15% on the BODi Bundle with Code RICHDBODI15
Shop   -  Blog  -  Index  -  About  -  Home
BODi Workouts
BODi Weight Loss
BODi Supplements
BODi Bundle & Save
About Howtobefit.com
Rich Dafter - Running for a Liftetime
Rich Dafter launched Howtobefit.com on January 1st, 1995. Join his Running for a Lifetime Community
Team Howtobefit on Facebook Team Beachbody Coach Rich Dafter on Instagram Team Beachbody Coach Rich Dafter's Blog

5 Top Reasons For Not Stretching Before Workouts

by Owen Anderson - from Running Research News

Many runners stretch before their workouts, but scientific research tells us that there are five key reasons NOT to carry out static stretches before you head out for a run:

(1) A muscle which has been passively stretched is weaker, not stronger, than a muscle which has not been passively extended.

(2) Muscles which have been statically stretched are much more easily damaged, compared with muscles which have not been stretched.

(3) There is no solid evidence that passive stretching during a warm-up decreases the risk of injury or heightens performance during an ensuing workout or competition.

(4) Static stretching may indeed increase passive range of motion at key joints, but there is some evidence to suggest that augmentation of such range of motion may actually spike the risk of getting hurt.

(5) A study carried out at the University of Hawaii-Manoa linked pre-workout stretching with a 33-percent higher risk of injury in male marathon runners.

If stretching before workouts and competitions is not a good idea, what should your warm-ups be like? Well, they should include drills (click here for some great technique drills) to heighten DYNAMIC range of motion at joints and to fully prepare your neuromuscular system for the activities which are to follow. Such drills should also warm up muscles and enhance the ability of muscles to withstand quick lengthenings, so they are less likely to be injured if you turn on some heat during your effort. Passive stretching can be saved for the post-workout or post- competitive time frame, when stretching will help ease your muscles into the quiescent activities which are to follow.

For more information about stretching and optimal warm-ups, please see Volume 19-2 (March 2003)of Running Research News, which will be available shortly - or else contact us at info@rrnews.com

Complete Book of Stretching
Click here for the Complete Book of Stretching

back to top

Search Howtobefit.com

UNBEATABLE DEAL!
Total Solution Bundle - Save 60% with Code RICHDBODI15
Total Solution Bundle
Save 60% With Code RICHDBODI15
NEWEST PROGRAMS
GLP-1 Fitness Formula
GLP-1 Fitness Formula
Save 15% With Code RICHDBODI15
Walk Week
Walk Week
Now Available in the BODi Library
TOP SELLING PRODUCTS
Save 15% With Code RICHDBODI15
Shakeology
Shakeology Superfood
Performance Energize
Pre-Workout Energize
Performance Recover
Recover Post-Workout
BODi Collagen Peptides
Collagen Peptides
BODi 3 Day Refresh
3 Day Refresh Cleanse
BODi Last Thing
Last Thing Sleep Aid
BODi Ultimate Reset 21 Day Cleanse
The Ultimate Reset
Belle Vitale All In Kit
Belle Vitale Hormone Health for Women
Top      
BODi Satisfaction Guarantee
© 2025 Howtobefit.com  -  About   -  Contact   -   Site Index   -   Blog  -  Shop   -  Home