Should you stretch before a show?
The answer is yes, but probably not in the way you were taught.
In this episode of the Fit2Perform Podcast, Bobby and Steffan break down the new rules of stretching and explain why your approach should change depending on whether you're trying to improve flexibility or prepare your body to perform.
For years, performers were told to hold long static stretches before going on stage. Then the message flipped completely and static stretching became the enemy.
The reality is more nuanced.
We discuss:
✅ The difference between stretching for flexibility and stretching for performance
✅ Why static stretching can temporarily reduce strength and power
✅ Why dynamic stretching can actually improve performance
✅ What stretching really does to your muscles and nervous system
✅ Why stretching does not simply "lengthen" your muscles
✅ How resistance training can improve range of motion too
✅ Where static stretching can still fit into a performer warm-up
✅ How to tell whether a stretch is useful, or just something you've done out of habit for years
The key question is simple:
Why are you stretching?
If your goal is to improve flexibility over time, train flexibility deliberately.
If your goal is to perform right now, your warm-up needs to prepare your body to produce force, move efficiently and access the range you need without leaving you flat.
Whether you're a dancer, actor, singer, musical theatre performer or anyone who relies on mobility and range of motion, this episode will help you rethink the way you warm up.
Plus, we somehow end up talking about Reacher, Project Hail Mary, Lego spaceships and why turtle shells are basically external bones.
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