Beauty

When stretching, the ligaments are stretched, the muscles are warmed up and tone up, the body is preparing for the upcoming loads. But this is only one, the most common view of stretching. Some scientists say that stretching before competition or training affects its results by reducing muscle strength.

A study by the American College of Sports Medicine has definitively settled this controversy. Non-professional athletes were selected to participate, who were offered to do 2, 4 and eight-minute stretching of the shin and lower leg before the main workout. Before stretching, the researchers assessed the physical condition of the participants’ muscles. The researchers took their measurements immediately after stretching exercises, as well as at intervals of 10, 20 and 30 minutes.

The results showed that stretching did not affect muscle strength and endurance, but significantly increased the range of motion in the ankle joint. Prior to this, many coaches reported a decrease in athlete muscle endurance after stretching, especially in the legs. Researchers have now conclusively shown that in moderately demanding sports, stretching for 8 minutes before exercise improves joint mobility without compromising muscle strength or endurance.

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