Historically the origin of stretching can be discovered in yoga positions from 2-3 thousand years ago, in dance and ballet schools. The real evaluation and methodical elaboration did not occur until the mid-1970s. It has spread worldwide due to the popularity of running, cycling, aerobics and fitness ten years later, and today is one of the training rituals of many sports; unfortunately, often misinterpreted and misused - these are the footballers, tennis players, runners and fitness center exercisers, pulling their necks, arms and legs without preparation and in any way, believing that they will prepare muscles, joints and tendons for stress and prevent injuries.
Once the idea of stretching became widespread in the public consciousness, I included it in my coaching methodology as a part of instructing people in the gym.
Stretching is NOT a warm-up. Stretching without "warm up" can damage the collagen connective tissues in the joints, while in cold muscles there is considerable frictional force and they are therefore not ready to stretch. The right procedure begins by raising the body temperature through light aerobic exercise, followed by several weightless gymnastics and strength exercises (arm rotation, forward bends, squats, push-ups and push-ups). Then comes the first stretching exercise. If you want, you can stretch between sets, or after training.
Stretching today belongs to the sport as well as Adidas, NHL, million bonuses or doping. TV footage shows football players stretching their legs and groin, people stretching in fitness centers, athletes on the track and hockey players on the ice. The generally accepted view from the 1960s was that strength training supported the development of muscle stiffness. Figures of bodybuilders and weightlifters with huge muscles and skin cracked by the rapid growth of mass contributed to this trend. However, not all were (and are) clumsy mountains of muscle. John Grimek could do
somersaults, handstands and clefts. He was so incredibly flexible that he could touch his elbows while standing with his knees tense! Even Tom Platz didn't have problems with flexibility and fighters like Flex Wheeler or Roland Cziurlok easily split up!