Physio
Do we need to Stretch before or after a surf?
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Evidence is now saying that most people will stretch only the once when exercising, if this is the case I suggest to stretch after exercise.
Shouldn't I stretch before I have a surf to become more flexible?
It seems logic, but when our bodies are cold especially for the earlies in the cold winter months, our muscles have very little blood running through them, so it is a lot harder for the muscle fibers to stretch out (yoga always gets easier once our body is warmed up!). I often find that once you have run down the beach and paddled out your body warms up, moving blood around to our muscles to help them fire.During surfing you are using muscles constantly, especially leg muscles through your balance and turns and also shoulders through paddling.
I suggest during winter after your hot shower to stretch out your quads, hamstrings and don't forget those gluts (that get more used by female surfers than males), lower back and shoulders.
For those who will even stretch before a surf, dynamic stretching which involves stretching with movement is the way to go, just watch Stefanie Gilmore go through the process before a heat.
Keep surfing and start incorporating a little stretching after your surf.
I promise it will make a long term difference to your surfing.
Adrian Shortland in Byron Bay
"Its all about Good Times"...surfing with friends,eating well,having a clear mind and balancing life. Adrian is a specialised Remedial Massage Therapist who has spent the past 10 years dedicated to lecturing and research in the field of Natural Therapies, combining this with his passion for surfing and knowledge of the body and its movements, he has helped many surfers get back on their boards from chronic injuries.
To contact Adrian, 0412 430 262
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