Kissena Forum Archive

In Print: Articles of Interest

5602 comments · 103122 views
No more stretching
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/04/03/reasons-not-to-stretch/?smid=fb-share
@Jules

You buried the lede "as New Yorkers brace for contact, an unexpected factor may protect against serious injury: being overweight."

Good news for Owen's and I. Pass the cookie dough, because I am protecting myself from serious injury.
@stretching: The anti-stretching movement has been gathering momentum. However, I'm reluctant to take it at face value. OK, so 20 year old athletes lose explosive power (squats, lifts) after stretching. This means that muscle shortening power is reduced. This seems to be as clear as anything is in exercise physiology. However, dancers and acrobats have been stretching for generations and would probably limp away from their performances if they stopped. I suppose one could say that they rely on muscle lengthening and that the stretching prepares their muscles for, say, the splits.

So what about cyclists. Note that the article is more equivocal on the effects of stretching on endurance athletes. And it is not all about power. It is about sore backs and knees that I wonder. I think by promoting flexibility, that one might end up being less sore after a long day in the saddle. This does not have to be done in preparation for the exercise itself, but as a life-long habit.

And Ragot needs to do his situps before his back becomes a limiting factor during hard races.

dstokes said:
So what about cyclists. Note that the article is more equivocal on the effects of stretching on endurance athletes. And it is not all about power. It is about sore backs and knees that I wonder.

not to turn this into a "training" thread, but i will say that since incorporating specific, targeted stretches into my daily routine, my knee pain has markedly subsided.  it's a hassle to have to spend 10-15 minutes before and after every ride dicking about on a foam roller, but i will take that any day over painful knees.  so for me at least, (proper) stretching has so far been very effective

dstokes said:

And Ragot needs to do his situps before his back becomes a limiting factor during hard races.

Yes, please. All who are noticing lumbar (lower back) region back pains, before you start hitting up the club for recommendations for hot orthopedic surgeons, please start doing some ab work in the form of sit-ups. Coming from a former gymnast who spent many many years lifting weights and stretching and doing all manner of resistance training, I can offer up some excellent stomach exercises that are "easy" to do at home...if that's your limiting factor.

What happens when the Belgian blocks in DUMBO all go away?

http://gothamist.com/2013/04/03/dumbo_and_vinegar_hill_next_victims.php

I know the city isn't permitting any on-street bike races, but I think we may have to figure a Kissena pave ride linking the cobbled sections of DUMBO, TriBeCa and Red Hook.
Allright....my daughter Chloe needs a lead out.  She needs some votes on her online cartoon thing she has going.  Please click on the link and vote or Barkley....take 20 seconds and make a 9 year olds dream come true....thanks     Yack

http://www.herotopia.com/community/
Voted!  Damn folks it's going to be a close one; every click counts.  She's behind 39 to 41... get your clicks on!
done.  though i see that barkley is trailing Mr E the crack-smoking dandy.
Mr. E is going down...he is going down to Chinatown !!!!

Done.

 

also
I just voted. Its neck and neck with Mr. E!! 34 each. Come on guys, vote some more.
Don't tell anyone but I voted again...Barkley's up by one. (I cleared my cookies..)
I voted twice. Those others kids are pissed their dads aren't cyclists with dorky friends. 

The power of Kissena...voted. Right now, she's ahead by 4 votes!
Voted
Using the old adage - vote early and often - Chloe is now in the lead 43 - 41 - let's keep the votes flowing...
To quote Willy Wonka..."The suspense...I hope it lasts".  
Oh the pain...Mr. E just launched a blistering attack!  ahead by 10 votes now...we have to go to the front and chase...I'm hoping we can bridge across.
Im on it..
ugh!  theyre pulling away..the gap's at 30 seconds now.   
Voted. That makes 92 to 90! Have to find another IP to vote from ...
I think Mr. E is doping.  We caught 'em, counter attacked, but hes chasing us down.  Last i checked we are even at 100
Just voted...Barkely ahead by 6
Oh man...time for a rest day blood bag !

damn! it's blocked at work!
Warning No formatter is installed for the format not-found
The UCI is protecting Mr. E God damn you Hein !
Mr E. is behind!