24/04/2025
More and more people are getting into loaded stretching these days. And thatâs awesome. It means people are finally paying attention to flexibility in a way that doesnât feel like a sad afterthought to the main workout.âŁ
âŁ
But loaded stretching doesnât magically work for everyone. Some people try it and donât get the results they were hoping for. And if thatâs you, I see you. Youâre not broken. Youâre not doing it wrong. Youâre just working with a body that needs a different kind of prep.âŁ
âŁ
Yeah, I know. That flies in the face of the âjust lift through full range of motion and everything will be fineâ kind of advice that comes from coaches whoâve never actually spent time learning how flexibility training really works.âŁ
âŁ
Let me say it plainly: loaded stretching is not a one-size-fits-all solution. And no, itâs not because some people are born destined to be stiff, unbendable meat statues. Although, yeah, some people definitely respond faster than others.âŁ
âŁ
Whatâs actually going on is the body doesnât always like it when you suddenly ask it to handle external load while in a stretched, vulnerable position.âŁ
âŁ
But good news:,weâve got options. A lot of them. We can ease that transition from unloaded to loaded stretching with a bit of smart planning and patience.âŁ
âŁ
Start by spending a few weeks (or months, honestly) getting comfortable with classic static passive stretches. Build a strong foundation with big compound lifts like squats and deadlifts. Always warm up like it actually matters. Hone your technique so every rep builds confidence instead of chipping away at it. And donât forget to breathe. Really breathe. Deep, controlled, focused breathing can change everything.