Unlock Your Hip Flexors Pdf Download Mike Westerdal | Page 100

We have been lied by the countless trainers, therapists, instructors and
media about the virtues of stretching. There is, after all widespread
clinical data that supports the positive effects of stretching. Now you
might ask me how we know what in fact the appropriate amount to
stretch is.
The key to answering this question lies in the knowledge of normal
muscle and joint ranges. If you have excessive range in a certain
position, there is no inherent benefit in continuing to stretch into that
position. An exception to this rule would involve that need excessive
range of motion for some or activity.
In general dancers, acrobats and other professionals athletes may require
considerably more than the normal range of flexibility to perform
selected activities. On the other end of the spectrum are individuals who
lack normal muscle flexibility.
I routinely see people who could not lean forward to touch their toes if
their lives depended on it, me included. This is the population that would
in fact benefit from a bit of muscle stretching. I have personally treated
most of these stiff patients who have in fact benefited from joining a
yoga class.
It may even be possible that a tight muscle group may be contributing to
an imbalance to your body that is causing pain. The overall message I
want to deliver should be quite clear. It is a good idea to stretch gently
muscle groups that lack normative range and it is a bad idea to stretch
muscles that already have more than normal range.
If you have muscles that meet the normal ranges, then stretching needs
only to be used as a warm up or for the purpose of maintenance. Your
goal should not be to surpass normal ranges of muscle flexibility.