“Your Gym Teacher Lied to You”: 25x World Record Powerlifter Debunks a Common Myth Amongst Gym Goers

Stefi Cohen, the record-breaking powerlifter, holds expertise as an exercise physiologist and Doctor of Physical Therapy. She aims to share the advantage of understanding the fundamentals of training, not wanting to limit it to herself alone. She started an initiative called HYBRID Performance Method that provides evidence-based free content regarding strength training.

Apart from that, she often posts Instagram reels on nutrition and workout to educate her followers. The pro boxer recently shared a post on Instagram talking about the significance of stretching to prevent injuries and also busted a common myth among gym-goers.

Stefi Cohen’s take on stretching during the workout

The Ph.D. holder starts the video by saying, “Your gym teacher lied to you about something: Stretching.” In the video, she asserts that a hamstring tear or shoulder tweak is not a result of neglecting to stretch. “Stretching alone is not protective against injuries,” Cohen opines.

Stating the facts with utmost honesty, she adds in the caption, “You can’t really prevent an injury but you can definitely reduce their likelihood, just not by stretching alone.” She suggests an alternative which is “actively training within those new ranges of motion.” The 25x powerlifting champion backs her viewpoint with science, “The end range of motion is not the limit of your tissue length, but rather than the limit of the range of motion your nervous system allows at that time,” says Cohen in the video. She further reasons her claim. 

“I’m not saying you shouldn’t stretch, or that it can’t be beneficial. But it should be used as a tool, to address a specific mobility limitation,” she ends her post by giving out some beneficial information to her followers. Previously, she shared her thoughts on muscle confusion.

Stefi Cohen’s theory of muscle confusion

While explaining the muscle confusion theory, the powerlifter said, “The concept of muscle confusion is on page 1 of the bro science bible.” She clarified that changing the training regime often does not promote muscle growth, as it confuses the muscles. Further, she provided legit solutions.

One should focus on applying tension with the required intensities for an extended duration to develop the muscles effectively. The key lies in progressively overloading a specific movement. According to Cohen, it is crucial to continue each exercise for a minimum of 3-4 weeks.

Read More: 25x World Record Powerlifter Debunks a Common Myth About Body Symmetry: “That’s Just an Inherent Part of Being an Organism”

The fitness influencer has made significant contributions to the bodybuilding community and continues to actively share her knowledge to encourage more people to engage in strength training. Her science-backed videos are highly trusted by her followers.

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