Stop Stretching! Expert Reveals Why Stretching Hurts Your Muscles

Summary

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"Muscles aren't meant to be stretched like that," she said. "Muscles are meant to contract and relax. Stretching them puts stress on them, and rips muscle fibers, forcing them to constantly repair themselves after each time you stretch. Your body's movement shouldn't cause repeated damage. It should be more harmonious, and flow naturally."

"Many of us have tried to touch our toes while standing, just to discover-again and again-how out of reach they are for us," [Anat Baniel] said. "My method introduces just a few variations that should make a noticeable difference."

"They should be, because the variations provided by this exercise supplied your brain the information it needed to figure out how to let go of tight muscles and tendons," she said. "You were able to quickly and safely accomplish much more than you might have accomplished by 'stretching.'"

Stretching is a more common exercise for dancers and athletes, as well, who use complex stretching routines to prepare for extreme physical activity. Stand, spread your legs comfortably, bend your knees a little, and put your right hand just above your right knee, on your thighs.

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Stop Stretching! Expert Reveals Why Stretching Hurts Your Muscles

It's as common a morning routine to brush our teeth, comb our hair, and get that first cup of coffee, as it is to do some stretching, like touching our toes, are way we ...

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