Stretching Safetly

Stretching is a key part of your exercise regimen. Stretching may increase flexibility and improve the range of motion of your joints.

Before stretching, warm up with five to 10 minutes of light activity such as jogging in place. Keep stretching gentle. Don't bounce. If you feel pain, you've stretched too far. Hold a stretch for about 30 seconds, then switch sides and repeat.

If you have a problem area or the stretch is particularly helpful for pain or discomfort, you may benefit from repeating the stretch. If you have any health conditions or injuries, talk to your physician or physical therapist about which stretches are right for you.

Stretching not only improves appearance, lengthens muscles, and gives that lean, toned look, but it also improves fitness and health. It is the ultimate for preventing injuries; in fact, at least 50% fewer overextension injuries are reported with athletes who use a regular stretching routine compared to those who don't! Stretching is a great warmup or cooldown and improves muscular coordination, as well as prevents soreness and promotes faster recovery.

1. Calf Stretch
Your calf muscle runs along the back of your lower leg. To stretch your calf muscles: Stand at arm's length from a wall or a piece of sturdy exercise equipment. Place your right foot behind your left foot. Slowly bend your left leg forward, keeping your right knee straight and your right heel on the floor. Hold your back straight and your hips forward. Don't rotate your feet inward or outward. Hold for about 30 seconds. Switch legs and repeat. To deepen the stretch, slightly bend your right knee as you bend your left leg forward.

2. Hamstring Stretch
Your hamstring muscle runs along the back of your upper leg. To stretch your hamstring muscles: Lie on the floor near the outer corner of a wall or a door frame. Raise your left leg and rest your left heel against the wall. Keep your left knee slightly bent. Gently straighten your left leg until you feel a stretch along the back of your left thigh. Hold for about 30 seconds. Switch legs and repeat. As your flexibility increases, maximize the stretch by gradually scooting yourself closer to the wall or door frame.

3. Quadriceps Stretch
Your quadriceps muscle runs along the front of your thigh. To stretch your quadriceps muscles: Stand near a wall or a piece of sturdy exercise equipment for support. Grasp your ankle and gently pull your heel up and back until you feel a stretch in the front of your thigh. Tighten your stomach muscles to prevent your stomach from sagging outward, and keep your knees close together. Hold for about 30 seconds. Switch legs and repeat.

4. Hip Flexor Stretch
Your hip flexors, which allow you to lift your knees and bend at the waist, are located on your upper thighs, just below your hipbones. To stretch your hip flexors: Kneel on your right knee, cushioning your kneecap with a folded towel. Place your left foot in front of you, bending your knee and placing your left hand on your left leg for stability. Place your right hand on your right hip to avoid bending at the waist. Keep your back straight and abdominal muscles tight. Lean forward, shifting more body weight onto your front leg. You'll feel a stretch in your right thigh. Hold for about 30 seconds. Switch legs and repeat.

5. Iliotibial Band (ITB) Stretch
The iliotibial band (ITB) is a band of tissue that runs along the outside of your hip, thigh and knee. To stretch your ITB: Stand near a wall or a piece of sturdy exercise equipment for support. Cross your left leg over your right leg at the ankle. Extend your left arm overhead, reaching toward the opposite side. You'll feel a stretch along your left hip. Hold for about 30 seconds. Switch sides and repeat.

6. Knee-to-Chest Stretch
The knee-to-chest stretch focuses on the muscles of your lower back. Don't do this stretch if you have osteoporosis because it may increase the risk of compression fractures in your vertebrae. To do this stretch: Lie on your back on a firm surface with the backs of your heels flat on the floor. Gently pull one knee up to your chest until you feel a stretch in your lower back. Bring the knee as close to your chest as comfortably possible. Keep the opposite leg relaxed in a comfortable position, either with your knee bent or with your leg extended. Hold for about 30 seconds. Switch legs and repeat.

7. Shoulder Stretch
If the back of your shoulder is tight, you may be more likely to develop rotator cuff problems, especially if you golf or participate in overhead racket or throwing sports, such as tennis or baseball. To keep your shoulders flexible: Bring your left arm across your body and hold it with your right arm, either above or below the elbow. Hold for about 30 seconds. Switch arms and repeat.

8. Shoulder Stretch with Towel
Your shoulder's internal rotators are part of the group of muscles often used in overhead sports, such as sports made with a downward motion from above the head. To stretch these muscles: Grasp a rolled-up towel firmly with both hands, as shown. Gently pull the towel toward the ceiling with your top hand. You'll feel a stretch in the shoulder of your opposite arm as your lower hand is gently pulled farther up your back. Hold for about 30 seconds. Switch hands and repeat.

9. Neck Stretch
To stretch your neck: Bend your head forward and slightly to the right. With your right hand, gently pull your head downward. You'll feel a nice, easy stretch along the back left side of your neck. Hold for about 30 seconds. Repeat on the opposite side.

10. Resisted Hip Flexion
Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat. Bring your right knee up to your chest, placing both hands on top of leg, just above the knee. As you push down on your leg, resist the downward force by contracting your hip flexor muscles. Once the heel of your foot taps the mat, bring that knee back up to your chest again, pushing against your hands' resistance. Do 10-15 slow repetitions and repeat on your left leg. Tip: Make sure to keep your neck relaxed and your lower back flat against the mat throughout this movement.

11. Side Lunge Stretch
Stand upright, with both feet facing forward, double shoulder-width apart. Place your hands on your hips or thighs, in order to keep your back straight. Slowly exhale, taking your bodyweight across to one side. Avoid leaning forward, or taking the knee of the bent leg over your toes. As you increase the stretch, the foot of the bent leg should point slightly outward. To increase the stretch, relax upward, slowly sliding your feet out a few inches further to the side.