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In its most basic form, stretching is a natural and instinctive activity; it is performed by humans and many other animals. Increasing flexibility through stretching is one of the basic tenets of physical fitness. It is common for athletes to stretch before and after exercise in order to reduce injury and increase performance. By stretching your muscles under specific conditions, you can actually stretch your fascia and give your muscles more room to grow.
Stretching can be dangerous when performed incorrectly. There are many techniques for stretching in general, but depending on which muscle group is being stretched, some techniques may be ineffective or detrimental, even to the point of causing tears, hypermobility, instability or permanent damage to the tendons, ligaments and muscle fiber.
Hold for 5-10 seconds, then release. Repeat 5 times with each leg.
For more advance stretch, you can pull your toes more upwards towards your knee for a deeper stretch in your hamstrings as well as the calf muscles.
Hold for 5-10 seconds, then release. Repeat 5 times with each leg.
The Standing Forward Bend (standing hamstring stretch) stretches the hamstrings, erector spinae, and gluteal muscles. Stand with the knees slightly bent. Bend forward keeping the head up, and reach towards the toe. Straightenthe legs, and hold this position for 10 to 15 seconds.
Beginners won’t be able to grasp the back of your ankles with this stretch. As you progress you will be able to bring your nose towards your knees for a deeper stretch.
Extended triangle pose creates a series of triangles with the body. This actions results in a powerful stretch of the front leg hamstrings with a secondary stretch of the back leg hamstrings and gastroc-soleus muscles. It also stretches the side upper abdominal and back muscles.
The upper side shoulder and upper arms have “open chain” movement, creating proprioceptive awareness of the arm in space. The lower side hand is fixed on the floor or leg, giving leverage to open the chest.
Your hamstring muscle runs along the back of your upper leg. In addition to the muscles mentioned in the standing hamstring stretch, this stretches the calf (gastroc and soleus) muscles.
Sit on the ground with both legs straight and extended fowrard with the feet upright about six inches apart. Put the hands on the ankles or toe.
Bend from the hips, keeping and head in a comfortable, straight line. Hold this position for 10 to 15 seconds. (Variation for greater stretch; Stretch and pull back on your toes.)
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