The problem with stretching the IT, is that it is really very difficult to get a specific stretch for the IT. You can stretch all around it, but not really well on the IT.

Using a foam roller and myofascial release is a great way to maintain looseness in the IT.

of course making sure you stretch EVERY DAY is important as well! Flexibility is the one component of fitness that is lost after only a few days (strength and cardio can be maintained for a few weeks after stopping).

Elite athletes will get stretched several times a day and some of them quite vigorously, just to get an idea...

When you stretch a muscle, you are still using it, so it will naturally go back to its shortened state. its only with continued and regular stretching that you get good continued flexibility (and decreased pain)

Flexibility is also the one thing that people leave out...think of it this way, 1 minute of stretching for every 10 minutes of exercise. that means a one hour ride should be with5 minutes of stretching AT THE END!

Stretching before exercise has been shown NOT to improve performance in fact with some power efforts can inhibit performance

Some food for thought!

Smile

Hannah