Share |

FLEXIBILITY & STRETCHING

Flexibility, probably the most overlooked aspect of fitness, is also the easiest to acheive. By including a regular program of stretching - even in as little as 10 minutes a day - anyone can achieve a "reasonable" amount of flexibility.
Why not take the time to stretch?
  • Reduce overall stiffness and muscle pain caused by inactivity or staying in one position for too long - like sitting at your desk or in a plane.
  • Improve posture and overall feeling of well being.
  • Improve results from strength training.
  • Reduce injuries from physical activities.
  • When done right, it feels good!

How and When to Stretch - General Guidelines
Stretching, as the word implies, involves lengthening a muscle beyond its normal "resting" state. This should be done only after you have warmed the muscle up and gotten the "blood flowing" to it. Consider a 5-10 minute moderate warmup prior to stretching.
Stretching is a non-competitive activity: your only goal should be to have a "good" stretch. The general guidelines follow:
  • Use the correct form - follow the description and picture as closely as possible.
  • Enter the stretching motion slowly and in control - never bounce, overextend, or induce "bad" pain. You may have some minor discomfort - that's OK.
  • Once you reach your maximum stretch with the proper form, hold it for a count of 10, then slowly release. Repeat each stretch three times.
Click on any of the below stretches to see how they are performed:
Abdominals
  Abdomen Stretch Ball Side Stretch   Ball Torso Stretch

Biceps
  Ball Arm Stretch    

Calves
  Inner Calf Stretch Outer Calf Stretch  

Chest
  Ball Chest Stretch Ball Shoulder Stretch   Ball Spine Stretch
  Chest and Deltoid Stretch Chest Stretch  

Core
  Ball Arm Stretch Ball Back Stretch   Ball Chest Stretch
  Ball Front-of-Thigh Stretch Ball Hamstring Stretch   ...See more in our
Exercise Library!!!

Forearms
Click Here to Sign Up for a FREE Account and see other Stretches.

Glutes
Click Here to Sign Up for a FREE Account and see other Stretches.

Hamstrings
Click Here to Sign Up for a FREE Account and see other Stretches.

Lower Back
Click Here to Sign Up for a FREE Account and see other Stretches.

Mid-Back (Lats)
Click Here to Sign Up for a FREE Account and see other Stretches.

Neck
Click Here to Sign Up for a FREE Account and see other Stretches.

Quadriceps
Click Here to Sign Up for a FREE Account and see other Stretches.

Shoulders
Click Here to Sign Up for a FREE Account and see other Stretches.

Trapezius
Click Here to Sign Up for a FREE Account and see other Stretches.

Triceps
Click Here to Sign Up for a FREE Account and see other Stretches.