What is a potential downside of ballistic stretching?

A significant downside of ballistic stretching is that it may lead to muscle strain or injury. This form of stretching involves bouncing or jerking movements rather than holding a position, which can place sudden and excessive tension on muscles and tendons. When muscles are stretched beyond their normal limits in this manner, it increases the risk of overstretching or tearing, particularly if the individual is not adequately warmed up or if they push their body too quickly into the stretch.

Ballistic stretching can also engage the body's reflexes, which may result in a muscle contraction rather than a release, further heightening the chance of injury. While it may improve flexibility for some individuals, the associated risks make it a less desirable option compared to safer methods like static stretching. Static stretching allows muscles to gradually lengthen and adapt without the sudden jerks associated with ballistic techniques, thus reducing the potential for adverse effects.