If you are interested in better health and improved physical fitness you have surely heard that bodybuilders and other athletes are turning to a simple, natural supplement called whey protein.

What is Whey Protein?

Commercial whey protein comes from cow's milk. Whey is by-product of making cheese and was usually thrown away as a waste product. Now researchers know that whey protein is high quality, natural protein that is rich with amino acids essential for good health and muscle building. It is naturally found in mother's milk and also used in baby formula. It is being considered for use as a fortifier of grain products because of its considerable health benefits and bland flavor.

Although protein is also found in other foods such as meat, soy and vegetables, whey protein is proven to have highest absorption (digestion) levels in comparison to all others.

Why do Athletes use Whey Protein?

Currently, there seems to be a lot of confusion about how and when stretching should be used as part of warm up, and some people are under impression that stretching should be avoided altogether.

This is a very important issue and needs to be clarified immediately. The rest of this article is dedicated to dispelling some common myths and misconceptions about stretching and its’ role as part of warm up.

What has Science got to say?

Most of studies I've reviewed attempt to determine effects of stretching on injury prevention. This is a mistake in itself and shows a lack of understanding as to how stretching is used as part of an injury prevention program and warm up.

Stretching and its effect on physical performance and injury prevention is something that just can't be measured scientifically. Sure you can measure effect of stretching on flexibility with simple tests like “Sit and Reach” test, but then to determine how that affects athletic performance or injury susceptibility is near impossible.

One of more recent studies on stretching supports this view by concluding;

"Due to paucity, heterogeneity and poor quality of available studies no definitive conclusions can be drawn as to value of stretching for reducing risk of exercise-related injury." (The efficacy of stretching for prevention of exercise-related injury: a systematic review of literature, 2003, Weldon)

To put above quote in layman’s terms; there hasn’t been enough studies done and studies that have been done are not specific or consistent enough. For most comprehensive assessment and conclusion of research done on affects of stretching I suggest you have a read through following article, “The Truth about Stretching.” http://www.thestretchinghandbook.com/resources/articles/stretching-truth.htm

The Greatest Misconception

Confusion about what stretching accomplishes, as part of warm up, is causing many to abandon stretching altogether. The key to understanding role stretching plays can be found in previous sentence. But, you have to read it carefully.

Stretching, as part of warm up!

Here’s key: Stretching is a critical part of warm up, but stretching is NOT warm up.

Don’t make mistake of thinking that doing a few stretches constitutes a warm up. An effective warm up has a number of very important key elements, which work together to minimize likelihood of sports injury and prepare individual for physical activity.