stretching before training

[Steve]

Before an athlete swims they should do skipping and arm swinging type exercises. Stretching should be done following training and not before. From an article by John Atkinson (world class performance director)/Istvan Balyi on bscta.com (http://www.bscta.com)

Now I have always been taught to do dynamic warm up exercises and stretching before training and then stretch again after traning. Can anyone shed any light on why not stretching before could be a good thing? :confused:

[Michael]

Stretching and Warming are often confused. The skipping, arm swinging, running etc, get's the blood flowing to the muscles and hence helps to prevent injury.

Stretching 'cold' could pull muscles. Athletes, Footballers etc. tend to go for a light run before stretching and finally training full on.

Also, I have often heard physios etc. talk of two types of stretching.

1. not longer than a 10 second hold - as part of a warm up.
2. 30 seconds+ holds after training to improve flexibility

Before I stopped swimming I was a member of the elite athletes squad at uni and picked up alot from the people involved in other sports.

[Steve]

Originally posted by Michael
Before I stopped swimming ..

What you mean you've stopped completely? :eek: :eek:
http://www.pullbuoy.co.uk/admin/eek2.gif