So, I have come to the conclusion that I hate stretching...for instance, at the end of spin class today, instead of stretching I just keep on the bike for that extra 5 minutes to burn another 50 calories. Then I hop off and head home or hit the weights or whatever. I do the same thing after I run, do ellepitcal, or whatever....no stretching...how bad is this? I sometimes wonder if this is why I appear bulky...I have muscle and lift approx 3/4 times a week but I don't feel like I look lean! I am going to post pics tomo at work hopefully, but just wondered if anyone had any advice here. Thanks

So, I have come to the conclusion that I hate stretching...for instance, at the end of spin class today, instead of stretching I just keep on the bike for that extra 5 minutes to burn another 50 calories. Then I hop off and head home or hit the weights or whatever. I do the same thing after I run, do ellepitcal, or whatever....no stretching...how bad is this?

It may not be that bad at all. Check out this thread....

http://forums.johnstonefitness.com/showthread.php?t=36557

So, I have come to the conclusion that I hate stretching...

So don't. Most of the benefits people thought came from stretching didn't show up in the controlled studies they eventually did to "show" how good stretching was.

I spent years with a lot of stretching - it was a huge part of preparation for fencing. Nowadays, coaches are advised that athletes should not stretch any more than is necessary for the range of motion of their sports.

I don't stretch any more at all. I feel fine and can do all the stuff I need to do.

I think the main thing stretching does for me is to allow me to work on range of motion in certain areas where I might be limiting myself in performing lifts correctly.

For instance, I've gotten a lot better shoulder mobility by stretching.

To be honest, I think foam rolling has helped me out more than stretching. The down side to that is it actually hurts more :)

mannish, can you point me to some helpful links or places where i can learn more about foam rolling? i 've heard about it often recently. doe sit really work well?

mannish, can you point me to some helpful links or places where i can learn more about foam rolling? i 've heard about it often recently. doe sit really work well?

Feel Better for $10 (http://www.t-nation.com/findArticle.do?article=04-021-training)

Another PDF (http://www.smiweb.org/massage/downloads/roller.pdf)

To be honest, I think foam rolling has helped me out more than stretching. The down side to that is it actually hurts more :)

Downside? That's the best part!

Downside? That's the best part!

The best part is the few minutes right after you get done. It's like "ahhhhhh". The muscles feel loose and relaxed, especially in contrast to the fun that was foam rolling directly before.

I used to stretch too but I stopped after my gym's owner posted an article about studies done on the efficacy of stretching.

Once in a while I do it but only because it feels good.