Stretching Exercises

Stretching is an essential part of a complete exercise program. However, many people skip it, thinking they don't have enough time or it's not very important.

Here's Why It's Important:

Stretching offers many benefits, like improving your flexibility, range of motion, and circulation. Stretching may also help to lower your stress level. Advocates for stretching recommend the activity to reduce sports-related injuries, but not all studies have come to this conclusion. Researchers are still exploring how stretching impacts exercise.

Here's How to Stretch:

Two general types of stretching include dynamic stretching, where the joint is moved through full range, and static stretching, where the joint is held at end range of movement. You can do individual stretching exercises for each muscle group or you can do total body stretching routines.

Major muscle groups to stretch include:

Back muscles
Neck muscles
Leg muscles: hamstrings, quadriceps, calf muscles
Chest muscles
Buttocks and hip muscles
Shoulder and arm muscles
Stomach muscles

Classes in total body stretching include:

Yoga
Tai chi

Here are some tips for safe stretching:

Spend at least 5-10 minutes warming up your muscles before stretching. For example, walking gently while swinging your arms in wide circles.
Start each stretch slowly, exhaling as you gently stretch the muscle.
Hold each stretch for about 30 seconds.
3 to 4 repetitions are recommended.
Include dynamic and static stretching. Dynamic stretching involves you stretching the muscle while moving. A walking lunge without weights is an example. Static stretching, on the other hand, is when you are stretching a muscle group while staying in one place (like a hamstring stretch).
Consider not stretching before an intense activity, such as sprinting or track and field events, but make sure you do a long warm-up. Some research suggests that pre-event stretching may decrease performance.

Here are some common stretching mistakes to avoid:

Do not bounce during a stretch.
Do not stretch a muscle that is not warmed up.
If a stretch hurts, ease up. Do not strain or push a muscle too far.
Do not hold your breath while stretching.

Getting Started

For total body stretching, you can start by going to yoga or tai chi classes. To learn how to stretch specific muscle groups, you can buy a book on stretching or enlist the help of a certified athletic trainer. You can find a trainer at a local gym or through a referral from your doctor or a friend.

Before starting an exercise program, check with your doctor about any possible medical problems you may have that would limit your exercise program.

RESOURCES

Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://orthoinfo.org

Yoga Science Foundation
http://www.yogasciencefoundation.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Canadian Academy of Sport and Exercise Medicine
http://casem-acmse.org

When it Hurts to Move—Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation
http://whenithurtstomove.org

References

Basic injury prevention concepts. American College of Sports Medicine website. Available at: http://www.acsm.org/public-information/articles/2016/10/07/basic-injury-prevention-concepts. Accessed November 14, 2017.

McHugh MP, Cosgrave CH. To stretch or not to stretch: the role of stretching in injury prevention and performance. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2010;20(2):169-181.

The basics of personal training for seniors. American College of Sports Medicine website. Available at: https://www.acefitness.org/education-and-resources/lifestyle/blog/3248/to-stretch-or-not-to-stretch. Accessed November 14, 2017.

To stretch or not to stretch? American Council on Exercise website. Available at: https://www.acefitness.org/education-and-resources/lifestyle/blog/3248/to-stretch-or-not-to-stretch. Accessed November 14, 2017.

Revision Information

Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Michael Woods, MD, FAAP
Review Date: 11/2017
Update Date: 02/03/2014

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This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.