And stretch as you might, you just can’t get those chronic areas to change!
But here’s the deal: Our concept of stretching may be outdated.
Those popular words of encouragement (“Relax when you stretch!”
and “Farther is better!")
could actually be causing us damage.
Studies have recently been infiltrating the athletic arena, encouraging folks tohold their horses on the static stretches1.
So, what can we do?
First, we need to distinguish hyper-mobility from true flexibility.
True flexibility means your tissue feels pliable, elastic, hydrated, and ready to pounce.
If it’s not able to extendandflex, it is at risk of overstretching or tearing.
Studies are now showing us thatoverstretching can tear or weaken our tissue2and leave it feeling less flexible.
How to check that you stretch the right way.
So, what can you do to ensure you aren’t overstretching?
Here’s where to start:
Is the activate/elongate concept making you go cross-eyed?
Here’s one way to think about it: It’s just like how animals stretch.
We can take that concept of engaged elongation and apply it to specific muscle groups.
Instead of a static hold, perform the active stretches in reps.
