What Does Stretching Do Exactly?
Stretching is a form of physical exercise in which a specific muscle or tendon (or muscle group) is deliberately flexed or stretched in order to improve the muscle's felt elasticity and achieve comfortable muscle tone. Stretching can play a key role in your exercise program. Stretching is known to help increase flexibility, range of motion, muscle control, and prevent future injuries. There are several stretching techniques that can benefit
certain types of activities. Before you stretch, warm up for at least 5 to 10 minutes to prevent any injuries. A warm up can be a light walk on a treadmill, or a stationary bicycle. Hold a stretch for about 10-30 seconds depending on your experience, switch sides if needed. The longer the stretch is held, the more flexible you will become. Although stretching can be very beneficial, safety is always a priority. If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort, stop what you are doing. Speak to a medical doctor or a physical therapist to see what types of stretching techniques are best for you.
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Static vs. Dynamic Stretching
Static
Dynamic
BOTH IMPROVE FLEXIBILITY
References
Aurora Health Care. (n.d.). Retrieved April 25, 2016, from
https://ahc.aurorahealthcare.org/services/smi/chalk-talk/warm-up.asp
Fitness. (n.d.). Retrieved April 25, 2016, from
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/stretching/art-20047931
Edwards, Makeba. "What Are the Different Types of Stretching Techniques?" ACE Fitness. 19 Nov. 2012. Web. 04 May 2016.
Baker, Troy. "7 Types of Stretching Exercises." LIVESTRONG.COM. LIVESTRONG.COM, 18 Aug. 2013. Web. 04 May 2016.
"Fitness." Slide Show: A Guide to Basic Stretches. N.p., 2016. Web. 04 May 2016.