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- DictionaryStretch/streCH/
verb
- 1. (of something soft or elastic) be made or be capable of being made longer or wider without tearing or breaking: "my sweater stretched in the wash"
- 2. straighten or extend one's body or a part of one's body to its full length, typically so as to tighten one's muscles or in order to reach something: "the cat yawned and stretched"
noun
- 1. an act of stretching one's limbs or body: "I got up and had a stretch"
- 2. a continuous area or expanse of land or water: "a treacherous stretch of road"
Learn the various meanings and uses of the word stretch as a verb, noun, and adjective. Find synonyms, examples, phrases, and word history of stretch.
- Before Exercise
- After Exercise
- After Sitting and Before Bed
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Warm muscles tend to perform better than cold muscles. It’s important to include stretching in your warmup routine so you can get your muscles ready for the upcoming activity. Although it’s still a topic of debate, there’s some evidenceTrusted Sourcethat static stretching before exercise can reduce power and strength output in athletes. If you’re t...
Including static stretching after your workout may help reduce muscle sorenessTrusted Sourcecaused by strenuous exercise. It’s a good idea to stretch all parts of your body, with an emphasis on the muscles you used during your workout.
Static stretching activates your parasympathetic nervous system, according to a 2014 studyof 20 young adult males. Your parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for your body’s rest and digestive functions. This may be why many people find stretching before bedhelps them relax and de-stress at the end of the day. Stretching after a period of p...
Learn how to stretch your major muscle groups with dynamic and static stretches. Find out when and why to stretch, and see pictures and instructions for each stretch.
Mar 27, 2024 · Learn how to stretch for flexibility, mobility, and injury prevention with this comprehensive guide. Find out the different types of stretching, when to do them, and how to get started with beginner stretches.
- 1 min
- Stretching safely. Before stretching, warm up with 5 to 10 minutes of light activity. Better yet, stretch after a workout. Keep stretches gentle and slow.
- Calf stretch. The calf muscle runs along the back of your lower leg. To stretch the calf muscles: Stand at arm's length from a wall or a piece of sturdy exercise equipment.
- Hamstring stretch. The hamstring muscle runs along the back of your upper leg. To stretch the hamstring muscles: Lie on the floor near the outer corner of a wall or a door frame so that your left leg is next to the wall.
- Quadriceps stretch. The quadriceps muscle runs along the front of your thigh. To stretch the quadriceps muscles: Stand near a wall or a piece of sturdy exercise equipment for support.
Learn how to do a daily full-body stretch routine to improve your flexibility, reduce pain, and prevent injuries. Find out how to stretch for hips, runners, and athletes with specific exercises and safety precautions.
May 19, 2023 · Learn how stretching can improve your flexibility, posture, circulation, and more. Find out the best types of stretches for different purposes and situations, and get tips on how to start and stay safe.
May 2, 2024 · These stretching exercises promote flexibility and relaxation while targeting all major muscles of the body, including those that are chronically tight like the chest, shoulders, back, arms, hips, and legs. Try to stretch every day, if you can, for better results.
