Basics of Stretching

For any type of stretching the main goal is to relax the muscles. Relax yourself while stretching. The more relaxed your mind, the more relaxed your muscles. You don't need to go out and buy a yoga CD, but it won't hurt either.

1. Relax
2. Stretch slowly and in a controlled motion
3. Don't bounce
4. If you experience pain let up on the stretch or stop
5. Don't compare your flexibility with someone else's
6. Breathe slowly and rhythmically

Don't hold your breath

Stretching slowly will allow your muscle to lengthen itself more slowly. This will relax the muscle more and reduce the risk of quick movements ripping the muscle in an unpleasant way. If the motion of the stretch is controlled, as opposed to quick and jerky, the muscle is ensured to get a full stretch.

Bouncing to try to ease the pain of the stretch will not increase flexibility. Bouncing is an inconsistent movement in a stretch that will increase the chance of injury and decrease getting a good stretch.

Going with the theme of injury, stretching can be as painful as a weightlifting injury. If you feel pain while stretching, you are stretching too far. It doesn't matter how far you stretch really. It only matters that you are stretching. Stretch as far as you feel you can without pain. After a good workout the last thing you want to do is pull a muscle stretching.

All people are at different levels of flexibility. Don't worry if you are not Richard Simmons. Very few people will be able to stretch like Plasticman at first. (Note: if you ever stretch like Plasticman, start a movie career or tour with the circus).

Breathing slowly and in a rhythm helps you and your muscles to relax. Breathing rhythmically will usually come naturally if you are relaxed.

Holding your breath can be a sign that you are stretching to far. If you are stretching too far and it becomes painful, the tendency is for a person to hold their breath. It is a good idea to keep a steady breathing pattern anyway, as the human body often responds well to consistent patterns and rhythms. It can help you relax, which is of course they key to stretching well.