I’ve only just joined this forum and already I’m going to post something possibly rebellious!
I’ve been doing lots of reading and, at a basic level, the general consensus appears to be start with a manual process and see how you go from there. What I’d like to ask is (and it ties in with this thread so I decided not to start another) is it a cardinal rule that one MUST start with and/or incorporate a manual process to achieve success? The reason I ask is, for my lifestyle, I suspect it would be better for me to start with an extender (I’ve reviewed the other options and extender seems best fit for me) with me perhaps putting it on when home after work and building up my sessions from there in terms of duration and strength of mechanical stretch.
If I accept the fact my (hopeful!) gains will take longer to achieve and also ensure I start with very low initial levels of mechanical strength of stretch, is it thought of as an acceptable route to growth, or have I disgusted you by suggesting I perhaps leave out the initial manual element? Do you still expose yourself to a higher risk of injury by not starting manual?
A little scenario with made up figures. If someone with a crystal ball told me I could gain an inch in 12 months by doing a combo of manual and mechanical stretching (and starting with manual for a few months) or achieve the same in 18 months going mechanical alone, I’d take the latter. This assumes neither route is exposing me to any higher risks.
Did anyone else do this I.e. Forego manual stuff altogether?