How to Stretch Tight Muscles

The muscles within our body often become tight making it harder to move about comfortably. Stretching these muscles regularly will relieve muscle tightness, pain, and will decrease your risk of injuries like sprains and strains.
Stretching to increase flexibility should be a major component in every exercise program.
Simply apply the steps below to stretch muscles effectively.
Your body will reap the benefits of better flexibility in days.

Instructions

    • 1

      Prepare Muscles For Stretching
      You don't want to stretch cold muscles, so perform a 5 min warm-up prior to stretching. A brisk walk or marching in place are excellent warm-ups.

    • 2

      Begin With The Easy Stretch
      Get familiar with your major muscle groups and choose the one you would like to stretch first. Slowly stretch the muscle by elongating it and hold for 10-15secs. No bouncing! Stretch the muscle to the point of mild tension, not pain. If the stretch hurts, slightly ease off to the point of comfortable tension. This easy stretch prepares the body for the developmental stretch.

    • 3

      Go Into The Developmental Stretch
      After holding the easy stretch, ease off and stretch again moving a little bit further. Again No bouncing! Hold the stretch for 10-15secs. You will feel slightly more tension with this stretch, but again you want to steer clear of pain. If the stretch is painful, you're stretching too far, too soon. This stretch increases your level of flexibility.

    • 4

      Focus on Breathing
      Never hold your breath while stretching. Take a breath in and exhale as you go into the stretch. Once body is in stretch position, breathe slow, rhythmical, and controlled.