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Stretching Exercises For Flexibility
 Stretching,
though often overlooked, plays a vital role in keeping muscles and
joints strong and pliable so they are less susceptible to injury.
Thats why its such an important part of warming up before physical
activity and cooling down after.
Spending a few minutes a day doing slow, deliberate stretches can
also help you manage stress more effectively giving you a chance
to momentarily shut off outside stressors, and focus, physically
and mentally, on your activity.
Books and articles describing specific stretches abound. A good
routine should work each of the major muscle groups, and neednt
take long. Five to 10 minutes is all you need. Be sure to scan the
Rules to Stretch By before you begin.
RULES TO STRETCH BY
- Warm up first: warm muscles, tendons, and ligaments are more
flexible and stretch more easily; stretching cold muscles can
cause tears.
- Stretches should always be gradual and gentle.
- Hold each stretch in a static position for 10 to 20 seconds,
allowing the muscle to lengthen slowly.
- Do not bounce; bouncing actually causes muscle fibers to shorten,
not lengthen.
Stretch only to the point of resistance; if the stretch hurts,
you´re pushing too hard.
- Don´t rush through the stretching routine; use it to prepare
yourself mentally and physically for activity.
Why stretch?
Stretching is useful for both injury prevention and injury treatment.
For the purposes of this discussion I will concentrate on prevention.
If done properly, stretching increases flexibility and this directly
translates into reduced risk of injury. The reason is that a muscle/tendon
group with a greater range of motion passively, will be less likely
to experience tears when used actively. Stretching is also thought
to improve recovery and may enhance athletic performance. The latter
has not been fully agreed upon in the medical literature, but improved
biomechanical efficiency has been suggested as an explanation. Additionally,
increased flexibility of the neck, shoulders and upper back may
improve respiratory function.
How to Stretch
 There
are three methods of stretching: static, ballistic, and proprioceptive
neuromuscular facilitation (PNF). Static is the method recommended
for the majority of athletes since it is the least likely to cause
injury. Ballistic (bouncing) and PNF stretching are probably best
reserved for a select few who are experienced with their use. To
get the most benefit from your static stretching routine while minimizing
injury, stretching should be done after warm-up exercises. The increased
blood flow to the muscles aids in the flexibility gains from stretching
and is an important component for injury prevention. Static stretching
is done by slowly moving a joint towards it's end-range of motion.
A gentle "pulling" sensation should be felt in the desired
muscle. This position is then held for 15 - 20 seconds. Do not stretch
to the point of pain and do not bounce since this may cause injury
to the muscle. Within a session, each subsequent stretch of a particular
muscle group seems to give progressively more flexibility. A set
of 3 to 5 stretches is probably sufficient to get the maximum out
of the routine. Alternate between agonist and antagonist muscle
groups (eg. quadriceps and hamstrings), and alternate sides. It
is also a good idea to start with the neck and progress down to
the feet. This enables you to take advantage of gains in flexibility
from the previously stretched muscle groups. Stretching should also
be done after the workout. The post-workout stretch is thought to
aid in recovery. Cold packs can be applied to sore areas in those
of you who are recovering from injuries.
Why am I so tight?
There is considerable variation in baseline flexibility between
individuals. There may also be variation within a given individual
(eg. flexible shoulders but inflexible hips, or flexible right hamstring,
but tight, inflexible left hamstring). Genetics, injuries, and abnormal
biomechanics all play a role in these differences. One shouldn't
try to make big gains in flexibility in a short period of time.
Stretching should be done gradually over a long period of time and
then maintained to prevent slipping back towards inflexibility.
Some people will enthusiastically embark on a stretching program,
but then quit two weeks later because they haven't seen any benefit.
Be patient and consistent. It takes a long time.
Relax
It is very important to relax during the stretching routine. It
should not be a rushed event. Don't think about your job and don't
look at others working out. The "I've got to hurry up and do
this so I can go" attitude is counterproductive. This is a
time to slow your breathing and to free your mind. Some athletes
will employ mental imagery while stretching. In this relaxed state,
the athlete visualizes proper form in preparation for training or
competition.
Final words
If you have any back, neck, bone or joint problems consult your
doctor before beginning a stretching program. No stretching routine
should be painful. Pain indicates either incorrect technique or
a medical problem. If in doubt, ask a qualified health professional.
The following are some examples of good stretches.
Basic Stretching Exercises
These exercises stretch the muscles in the leg and back that are
tight. Maintaining flexible muscles in the legs and back is desirable
as it allows the muscles and joints to work more efficiently and
decreases the frequency of muscle injuries.
Posterior Thigh
Starting position: Sit lengthwise along a table and place your
right leg on the table. Rest your left leg on the floor or on a
footstool.
Action: Lean forward over your right leg until you feel a stretch
behind your knee and in your calf. Hold that position by grasping
the right leg. Repeat with the left leg.
Note: Stretch the calves by pointing your toes upward and
toward your chest.
Calf Stretch
Starting position: Stand 2-3 feet away from a wall. Put your
hands against the wall at about shoulder level to support your weight
(Fig. 2A).
Action: Lean in toward the wall by bending your elbows until
you feel a stretch in the back of your calves (Fig. 2B). Keep your
body erect, your knees straight, and your hips forward. DO NOT bend
at the waist. Make sure your heels remain on the ground. Alternate
foot position by turning the feet outward, stretching, then inward,
and repeating the stretch. If you run a great deal, do this repeatedly
throughout the day. To increase stretch, a book can be placed under
the "ball" of the foot, letting the heels hang down.
Anterior Thigh
Starting position: Stand with one arm holding onto a chair
or wall.
Action: With the free hand, grasp the instep of the foot
and pull the heel behind you toward your buttocks. KEEP YOUR KNEE
BACK. Do not let it come forward.
Note: You should be standing erect throughout the entire
stretch. DO NOT LEAN FORWARD. If you can touch your heel to your
buttocks, slightly extend your back while doing this exercise.
Inner Thigh
Starting Position: Sit on the floor. Place the soles of your
feet together and bring them about two feet away from your body.
Action: Place your hands on your knees and gently push downward
toward the floor. SLOWLY bend forward, trying to touch your nose
to your feet.
Iliotibial Band and Lateral Thigh
Starting Position: Sit comfortably on the floor with your
legs out in front.
Action: With your left leg straight, put your right foot flat
on the ground on the opposite side of your left knee. Reach over
your right leg with your left arm so that your elbow is on the outside
of your right leg. Slowly turn your head and look over your right
shoulder and, at the same time, turn your upper body toward the
right ann. Keep your hips flat on the floor at all times. Repeat
on the opposite side.
Note: If you do not feel a stretch, bend your left knee,
placing your left foot next to the right hip. The more you run,
the more you need to do this stretch.
Soleus
Starting position: Stand next to a chair and place your left
foot flat on the seat. Hold onto the chair for balance.
Action: Keeping the left foot flat, lean over the chair until
you feel a stretch in the back of the left calf.
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