New from Dr Mercola
Story at-a-glance:
The bulk of the scientific evidence does not support the recommendation to stretch before exercising to prevent injury
Most injuries occur during eccentric contraction within normal range of motion. Therefore, increasing your range of motion before exercise is unlikely to prevent injury
Stretching appears to increase pain tolerance, which could encourage injury. The benefit seen in studies that support stretching before exercise as a way to avoid injury appears to be due to the warmup sequence, not the stretching
The purpose of the warmup is to increase circulation and blood flow to your muscles, and there are many simple ways to do this. Aerobic exercises such as squats, jumping jacks, cycling and even walking are examples
