Why does stretching feel so good?

beer

Lifer
Jun 27, 2000
11,169
1
0
I've always wondered this. I think my boss is looking at me funny because I can't help but lean back and stretch every 10 minutes, it feels like a necessity for some reason
 

Megatomic

Lifer
Nov 9, 2000
20,127
6
81
It relaxes tense muscles for one thing. I wouldn't be surprised if some hormone isn't released when you do it either, sometimes it feels like an endorphine rush when I do a good stretch. :heart:
 

blakeatwork

Diamond Member
Jul 18, 2001
4,113
1
81
heh...

I hate stretching, and having my calves seize up... big time cramps....

other then that, I love stretching...
 

iamme

Lifer
Jul 21, 2001
21,058
3
0
something about blood flow, too.

as i get older, i need to stretch before playing basketball and volleyball. i remember the days when i'd play for hours without stretching beforehand. now, it's a pulled muscle waiting to happen if i don't. sad thing is, i'm only 26. :(
 

Megatomic

Lifer
Nov 9, 2000
20,127
6
81
At 34 I still occassionally pull a muscle even after stretching. :eek: It sucks to get old.
 

Tremulant

Diamond Member
Jul 2, 2004
4,890
1
0
Originally posted by: blakeatwork
heh...

I hate stretching, and having my calves seize up... big time cramps....

other then that, I love stretching...

My calves cramp up in my sleep if I haven't worked them in a few days and then work them a lot. But yeah, to stretch is to win. Only problem is I can't properly crack my back unless it's against a school desk chair (ie: haven't been able to in almost 3 years, chairs in college aren't the same).
 

blakeatwork

Diamond Member
Jul 18, 2001
4,113
1
81
Originally posted by: Tremulant
Originally posted by: blakeatwork
heh...

I hate stretching, and having my calves seize up... big time cramps....

other then that, I love stretching...

My calves cramp up in my sleep if I haven't worked them in a few days and then work them a lot. But yeah, to stretch is to win. Only problem is I can't properly crack my back unless it's against a school desk chair (ie: haven't been able to in almost 3 years, chairs in college aren't the same).

ever wake up, stretch, and have your leg start twitching like a cat's?? Happened this morning... kinda funny actually...

but man... do those calf-spasms hurt! I've woken myself up with one once... thought the muscle was going to jump off my leg...:D
 

PHiuR

Diamond Member
Apr 24, 2001
9,539
2
76
Originally posted by: Tremulant
Originally posted by: blakeatwork
heh...

I hate stretching, and having my calves seize up... big time cramps....

other then that, I love stretching...

My calves cramp up in my sleep if I haven't worked them in a few days and then work them a lot. But yeah, to stretch is to win. Only problem is I can't properly crack my back unless it's against a school desk chair (ie: haven't been able to in almost 3 years, chairs in college aren't the same).

sigh...just graduadted..those DESKs were the best!! i used to crack my back all the time on those...