According to studies recently published in The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research and the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports, pre-exercise stretching is unnecessary and often counterproductive. In fact, these studies found that stretching reduced overall strength during training.
Here at Gym Source, we’re not yet convinced that stretching is unnecessary. Even the scientists in these recent studies admit they don’t know exactly why stretching hampered performance. They suspect the loosened muscles were less able to store energy – so the participants were not as strong overall. Experts are still studying how stretching impacts a workout – and we will continue to bring you the latest research results on the subject.
