Your muscles need oxygen throughout the stretch so take good deep, slow breaths as you stretch. Holding your breath can also raise blood pressure. Simple stretches such as shoulder rolls don’t require that you hold them, but other stretches such as quadriceps stretches should be held for at least 20 seconds. 60 seconds is even better.
Remember to breathe throughout the stretch.
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Cold muscles are tight and don’t have much stretch in them. Instead, warm up for five minutes or more before you stretch any muscle that you hold. A little light running, a few minutes warming up in the sun, or even a warm bath will be enough to get your muscles moving and active before you stretch.
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If you lift weights, for example, and you push weights that cause your shoulders to roll forward, then you should balance that exercise with a stretch that stretches your shoulders backward.
The general rule is, to to the front as you would do to the back, and do to the left as you would do to the right.
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Try to make stretching a part of your daily routine. You don’t need a special space or exercise clothing to be able to stretch effectively. Spend a few minutes stretching your hamstrings, shoulders, lower back and neck, and you’ll see your flexibility improve quickly.
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Neck circles when your neck is cold can lead to pinched nerves. Stretch slowly and gently in one direction before returning your head to a neutral position and then stretching in a different direction.
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Windmill toe touches are also bad because you’re bending and rotating at the same time. Either bend or rotate during a stretch, not both.
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Bouncing stretches are a recipe for muscle tears. The old “hurdler’s stretch” where you put one leg out in front and the other leg behind you, is out as well. That stretch causes stress in the ligaments of your knee. It’s better to put both legs out in front, and stretch toward your toes gently.
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Cold muscles are tight and don’t have much stretch in them. Instead, warm up for five minutes or more before you stretch any muscle that you hold. A little light running, a few minutes warming up in the sun, or even a warm bath will be enough to get your muscles moving and active before you stretch.
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Your muscles need oxygen throughout the stretch so take good deep, slow breaths as you stretch. Holding your breath can also raise blood pressure. Simple stretches such as shoulder rolls don’t require that you hold them, but other stretches such as quadriceps stretches should be held for at least 20 seconds. 60 seconds is even better.
Remember to breathe throughout the stretch.
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When it comes to stretching, it’s wrong! Stretch slowly and gently within what’s comfortable. It’s ok to feel mild tension within your muscles and joints, but don’t push past a mild pull. If you have discomfort in your neck, back, shoulders or knees while you stretch, lessen the stretch until it’s comfortable. If the discomfort continues even with a mild stretch, a neuromuscular massage therapist can help you regain your flexibility.
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