Well, that's a stretch...

Last week I spoke with a non-profit running group with about a dozen athletes training for the Boston Marathon.
They already have a running coach, so I got to nerd out with the athletes on how to fit strength training into their routines.
I was pumped to have the coach on because he asked some great questions, including one about stretching.
Simply, is it worth static stretching?
Static stretching is when you hold your leg in a quad stretch for a minute vs dynamic or active stretching, where you doing Lunges instead.
My typical answer is always probably a bit frustrating because... it depends.
Science says active/dynamic is better because you're getting more blood flow through the muscles and are less likely to pull something.
And
Science says when you stretch, you're pull the muscle fibers apart (aka the ones you then need to be able to squeeze together for movement), so it's not good to do before exercise.
And this is where I say it depends...
Bc we have enough gymnasts, dancers, and ice skaters in the world who have been static stretching for years to see that it's not going to snap you in two if you static stretch.
Or be unable to recruit those lengthened muscle fibers.
And if static stretching gets you in the right mindset for exercise, that's very helpful.
And if you're not going to stretch at all (if not before exercise), it still might be better than nothing.
So yes, I typically recommend active/dynamic stretching.
But I don't poo-poo static.
​
Finally, I want to begin ending these posts with an exercise form tip.
If you have any suggestions, please let me know!
Squats still feel weird?
Put some weights or books under your heels.
Fancy squat shoes have a built-in lift to them anyways.
Most of us have slightly to very tight calves.
Elevating your heels shortens the calf so it's not freaking out when you go to squat.
Which means the rest of the body can be focused on doing it well instead of trying to stay balanced over panicked calves.
Give it a shot and let me know what you think.