Stretching: Focus and flexibility

Stretch anywhere! At anytime during the day. The best times to do some relaxing stretching is before and after working out, and also right when you wake up in the morning. Stretching in the morning can boost metabolism, and also wake you up. Just follow these tips to do make sure it is done safely, and effectively.

Warm Up and Cool Down: It is important to stretch during your warm up, before you run or workout, because it increases blood flow to the muscles. Although stretching during your cool down can be also very effective towards recovery after a hard workout. This will help your body relax and breath.

Dont Over Stretch: When stretching, it will promote flexibility, but stretching too far can damage your muscles. If you over stretch, you will create myotatic reflex. This will actually cause the muscle to recoil to protect itself from tearing and injury, causing unwanted pain. Static position stretches are much safer than bouncing around. Try to stay under 15 minutes. You can also to dynamic stretches like lunges, butt kicks, skips, high knees, and quad stretches. Also, hold each static stretch position for 15 to 30 seconds.

Stretches for side of neck: Sit or stand with arms hanging loosely at sides Turn head to one side, then the other Hold for 5 seconds, each side Repeat 1 to 3 times
Stretches side of neck Sit or stand with arms hanging loosely at sides Tilt head sideways, first one side then the other Hold for 5 seconds Repeat 1-3 times
Stretches back of neck Sit or stand with arms hanging loosely at sides Gently tilt head forward to stretch back of neck Hold 5 seconds Repeat 1-3 times
Stretches side of shoulder and back of upper arm Stand or sit and place right hand on left shoulder With left hand, pull right elbow across chest toward left shoulder and hold 10 to 15 seconds Repeat on other side
Stretches shoulder, middle back, arms, hands, fingers, wrist Interlace fingers and turn palms out Extend arms in front at shoulder height Hold 10 to 20 seconds, relax, and repeat
Stretches triceps, top of shoulders, waist Keep knees slightly flexed Stand or sit with arms overhead Hold elbow with hand of opposite arm Pull elbow behind head gently as you slowly lean to side until mild stretch is felt Hold 15 to 30 sec Repeat on other side
Stretches middle back Stand with hands on hips Gently twist torso at waist until stretch is felt Hold 15 to 25 sec Repeat on other side Keep knees slightly flexed
Stretches ankles Stand and hold onto something for balance Lift right foot and rotate foot and ankle 8 to 10 times clockwise, then 8 to 10 times counterclockwise. Repeat on other side
Stretches calf Stand a little way from wall and lean on it with forearms, head resting on hands Place right foot in front of you, leg bent, left leg straight behind you Slowly move hips forward until you feel stretch in calf of left leg Keep left heel flat and toes pointed straight ahead Hold easy stretch 10 to 20 seconds Dont bounce Repeat on other side Do not hold breath
Stretches front on thigh (quads) Stand a little a way from wall and place left hand on wall for support Standing straight, grasp top of left foot with right hand Pull heel toward buttock hold 10 to 20 sec Repeat on other side
Relaxes hamstrings, stretches calves, achilles, and ankles Stand with feet shoulder-width apart Keep heels flat, toes pointed straight ahead Assume bent knee position (quarter squat) Hold 30 sec
Stretches inner thigh, groin Stand with feet pointed straight ahead, a little more than shoulder-width apart Bend right knee slightly and move left hip downward toward right knee Hold 10 to 15 seconds Repeat on other side If necessary, hold on to something for balance
Stretches side of hip, hamstrings Sit on floor with right leg straight out in front Bend left leg, cross left foot over, place outside right knee Pull left knee across body toward opposite shoulder Hold 10 to 20 seconds Repeat on other side Breathe easily
Stretches lower back, side of hip, and neck Sit on floor with left leg straight out in front Bend right leg, cross right foot over, place outside left knee Bend left elbow and rest it outside right knee Place right hand behind hips on floor Turn head over right shoulder, rotate upper body right Hold 10 to 15 seconds Repeat on other side Breathe in slowly
Stretches back of leg and lower back Sit on floor, legs straight out at sides Bend left leg in at knee Slowly bend forward from hips toward foot of straight leg until you feel slight stretch Do no dip head forward at start of stretch Hold 15 to 20 seconds Repeat on other side Foot of straight leg upright, ankles and toes relaxed Use a towel if you cannot easily reach your feet
Stretches shoulders, arms, hands, feet and ankles Lie on floor, extend arms overhead, keep legs straight Reach arms and legs in opposite directions Stretch 10 sec, relax