Stretching is a form of physical exercise in which a specific skeletal muscle (or muscle group) is deliberately stretched.
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3answers
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Should I stretch after exercise?
Are there benefits with stretching right after exercising? Does stretching afterwards affect the risk of injury?
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10answers
22k views
How important is it that a person be able to touch their toes?
For as long as I can remember, I've heard the question "can you touch your toes?" asked by people trying to ascertain another person's physical fitness. I've grown up thinking that being able to touch ...
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1answer
4k views
Daily stretch routine to increase flexibilty and overall fitness?
Is there a standard (as much as can be standard) stretch routine that if used regularly over a period of time will increase/maintain flexibility and help my overall fitness level?
I have a set of ...
11
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1answer
147 views
What exercises produce longer, higher running jumps?
I want a higher and longer jump. What exercises should I use to jump further and higher? I'm specifically talking about jumping from a running start.
I am only interested in bodyweight exercises for ...
10
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1answer
174 views
Overhead Squat Assistance Work
My next fitness goal is 15 overhead squats with a barbell that has been loaded with my own bodyweight. I just went today and tried my first set. After lots of stretching and warmups, I did three ...
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3answers
1k views
What is a good early morning stretch routine?
I'm 45 and play squash once or twice a week in the evenings.
I am an early riser, but have never been an early morning exerciser. I do enjoy early morning meditation, though. I am finding that I am ...
9
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2answers
227 views
Recommendations for a weight program to support martial arts competition
Ok, going along the vein of a man who coaches himself has a fool for a client, I am looking for recommendations on a training cycle to support competing in martial arts forms and weapons competitions, ...
8
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1answer
2k views
Why is my outer hip tight when doing some inner thigh stretches?
Bound angle pose (pictured below) is supposed to stretch the inner thigh muscles and groin, but I can't even get to the point of feeling anything in in those areas because something in my outer hips ...
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1answer
149 views
Should I stretch before doing pullups?
I've just gotten strong enough to do pullups for the first time in my life. Should I stretch before I do them? If so, what stretches?
7
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1answer
171 views
Does stretching interfere at all with strength gain or injury susceptibility in resistance training?
I searched through the site and couldn't find a good answer to this. Does stretching (to improve flexibility) interact or slow the muscle building and strength increasing benefits of weight training?
...
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2answers
1k views
Loosening tight muscles?
I have some extremely tight upper back muscles that seemingly no amount of stretching can loosen. What are some alternate or supplemental approaches I can take to loosen tight muscles outside of the ...
6
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1answer
308 views
Overstretching to increase flexibility
I attend regular martial arts classes (about 3-4 a week). We spend a lot of time stretching, particularly the hip area and the legs, to increase flexibility.
Often after some classes where we do a ...
6
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1answer
748 views
I can run better after swimming, how come?
I found out that when I go swimming in the evening (from 5:30 - 6:30), that my running (from 8:30 - 9:30) seems to go a lot better.
(Eg. I'm less tired, I have less need for stretching - I stretch to ...
6
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3answers
419 views
How to properly stretch your Iliotibial Band?
I've recently heard about having a tight Iliotibial Band and how its important to stretch it.
However since I've been stretching it (gentle 30 second stretches, a variety of them in succession), it ...
6
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3answers
11k views
Strengthening and healing the psoas (leg-lifting) muscle
A few months ago I hurt my psoas muscle and a couple of ligaments around it. I've been off of it since then and it's been healing and I'd like to get back into the things that I had to quit.
I'd ...
5
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4answers
231 views
Lower back pain relief
I have been weight training for 18 months, and in the past few months have started to get lower back pain. I particularly feel it when I wake up in the morning. Nothing too serious or painful but I ...
5
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2answers
110 views
How to relax the palm muscles after cycling?
I cycled 200 km. My palms are feeling a bit numb and like a mild electric shock is passed through my palms.
Can anyone please suggest any relaxation exercise for my palms?
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2answers
7k views
Why do my legs hurt while jumping rope?
I used to skip in the passed, but always ended up stopping after a week when I could no longer handle the pain in the lower legs, i.e. knees, shins, feet. Looking at these diagrams from ...
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3answers
245 views
How should a proper stretching workout look like? How to warm up for it?
How should a proper stretching session look like? How should I warm up or cool down for a stretching training? And how long should they be and what exercises should they exactly consist of?
Should I ...
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3answers
183 views
Where can I find stretching exercise information where it tells you how far you need to go?
I’ve been reading The Complete Guide to Stretching recently in an effort to help find some solutions to muscle aching problems I have. The hypothesis I’ve been operating under is that I have muscle ...
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2answers
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Sore after work out - can't straighten arm
I'm in good aerobic shape but never did strength training. Yesterday, I did some basic strength work, using both dumbbells and machines. Nothing too crazy - I started light and built my way up. I ...
5
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1answer
252 views
What are workouts or stretches to increase flexibility for the splits?
What kind of workout or stretches can I do to increase my range of motion? I want to be able to do a split (I am quite close).
What kind of stretch should I do?
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6answers
2k views
How can I stretch hamstrings in isolation?
I have strong, very short hamstrings, and a weak, flexible lower back. If I try to touch my toes, I get about 1/2-way down my shins. However, most of that mobility is in my lower back.
If I lie on my ...
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3answers
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What are some good stretches to help with squatting?
It seems a lot of form problems with the squats are caused by inadequate flexibility - I think mainly in the hamstrings and also the shoulders.
What are some good stretches that can be used to ...
4
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3answers
643 views
Is stretching cold muscles before cycling harmful?
For most of my life, I stretched out before cycling to avoid cramps or pulling a muscle. However, I discovered last year that I could skip stretching exercises in favor of a slightly extended warm-up ...
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2answers
243 views
Proper way to stretch the pectoral muscles
What is the best way to do pectoral stretches? A specialist recommended that besides avoiding bench presses and strengthening my back, I should stretch my pectoral muscles as often as possible, as ...
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2answers
380 views
Why doesn't stretching feel good?
I hear people say they like to stretch out because it feels good. I've never had that experience. It's not painful, but it's somewhere between unpleasant and neutral. Hence, stretching is work, and I ...
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1answer
98 views
What stretches can I do to kick higher in martial arts?
I'm in good physical health, exercise regularly and having been training capoeira for about a year. While technique is certainly a part of it, I've still been unable to kick more than waist high with ...
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2answers
1k views
What are some good leg stretches?
I've been going to the gym about 4 times a week, splitting my workout between cardio and strength training. In order to properly maintain my heart rate for my cardio plan, I have to do that before ...
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2answers
116 views
How to cope stretching with weightlifting in order to improve posture
I have some minor postural problems, Kyphosis a Lordosis, I do not experience any pain from it, it is very minor, but gives a slouch look.
I've read that some stretching exercises may help to ...
4
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1answer
204 views
Can you overuse a foam roller?
Can you over use foam rolling? what are the negative impacts? I'm using it 3x a week post weight routines. Has anyone had any negative experiences?
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1answer
134 views
Source for flexibility training
I want to become more flexible. Unfortunately, there's lots of conflicting and unsourced material on stretching and flexibility training out there.
Could anyone point me to a reputable source for ...
4
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2answers
704 views
Stretches that are good for stiff neck and shoulders?
Are there stretches that can help with stiff neck and shoulders?
4
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2answers
406 views
Reducing tightness in calf and soleus
A few weeks back I strained my soleus and have gradually started building up my exercise levels again.
I have noticed after a few days back on full exercise that the muscles in my lower leg (calf and ...
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2answers
358 views
How do I come up with a good stretching routine for post workout?
I've been doing the Strong Lifts 5x5 program for about 4 weeks now, and I'm starting to get to some substantial weight. I follow that with cardio work and finish with a bunch of stretching. Up until ...
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2answers
87 views
How to incorporate Nuad Thai massages into the training schedule?
I am currently visiting the gym 3 times a week for about 1,5 hours to work on my upper body. My goal is to gain muscles and add a little bit of definition. On the weekends I go to the ice ring for ...
3
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2answers
251 views
Stretches and muscle work for Supination or Underpronation
I've recently had issues with my IT Band, did all the stretches and PT. And it did not work.
I recently decided to try out my old pair of running shoes(on a whim), that originally were bothering my ...
3
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1answer
92 views
How to loosen up the hamstring?
I have a very hard hamstring.
I can stretch my hamstring to a good extent, i.e., touch the floor without bending the knees with my knuckles but not beyond that. At that stretch point, I feel a ...
3
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2answers
169 views
I'm rather flexible, how should I stretch my hamstrings?
When I'm standing I can have my hands flat on the floor and not feel much of a stretch in my hamstrings.
Currently I've been lying on my back, and with one leg straight out in front, pull the other ...
3
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1answer
45 views
Flexibility questions
I want to get more flexible for BJJ. I'm intending on stretching 3 times (or more) a day, holding each stretch for about 30 seconds.
I've read that it's good to strengthen the muscles while you ...
3
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2answers
149 views
Hamstrings and running intervals
I've started doing some running intervals/speedwork and notice that my hamstrings get pretty sore afterwards. I do some off-day stretching, although I probably could do more. Should I push ahead and ...
3
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1answer
300 views
Best stretching and strengthening exercise for Gluteal muscle
When I play games (3-4 hours) like Cricket or Basketball, my Gluteal muscles ache a lot. I've heard that swimming can help them stretch, but I can't swim (though I plan to learn)
What other exercises ...
3
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1answer
75 views
How do you know how much effort to do and for how long?
When stretching and flexing muscles, How much should I push my muscles and for how long before I take a few seconds break?
I usualy push as far as I can, and for as much as time as I can, and only if ...
3
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1answer
476 views
neck pain vs. head orientation
I'm wondering if looking slightly down and to the left puts more strain on the left or right side of my neck.
For a little background, I use two enormous monitors and I think I use the on on the left ...
3
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1answer
403 views
Stretching/posture/exercise for separating vertebrae in spine?
what is the best exercise/stretching/posture that will separate the vertebrae of the spine? I want to do this because I read that separating the vertebrae will allow the compressed intervertebral ...
2
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2answers
361 views
when to stretch to help building muscle?
When is best to do stretching exercises in order to help building up muscle? Any times one should avoid or concentrate on?
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2answers
231 views
Should I be stretching between weight lifting series?
Is it good to stretch the muscles one is exercising between weight lifting series?
For example, if I am doing bench presses, should I stretch my chest and arms muscles in between one series and the ...
2
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2answers
424 views
Best stretches before weight training
I have a set of stretches I generally do; not sure where I got them from, but they seem to work for me. (I use them for general stretching, not strength training).
Now that I'm starting weight ...
2
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1answer
84 views
What is the most effective and least time-consuming structured post-running (and post cooldown) stretching routine?
I've been following Tim Noakes' running program for approximately a week-and-half now: nice program.
But I have a major quibble-cum-problem / issue: my post-running stretching routine. ... It's ...
2
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1answer
642 views
Stretches to help recovery after weight lifting
I've read that stretching after a session of weight lifting can help with recovery time.
Is this true? It seems counter-intuitive to me as any real weight lifting session will result in micro-tears ...
