STRETCHING TECHNIQUES AND PROGRAMS

STATIC STRETCHING The most popular form of stretching, where you hold a muscle in a stretched position and gradually allow time for it to extend. Hold for 20-30 seconds, shorter is not effective, longer is not much more effective. ACTIVE ISOLATED STRETCHING is a progression from static stretching, appropriate if you have no postural distortions. These stretches typically are performed in 1-2 sets of 5-10 repetitions, each repetition is held for 2-4 seconds. Some require assistance, be very careful with these, I dont recommend having someone who is not trained assist you with them. SAMPLE AI STRETCHES

DYNAMIC STRETCHING is for the fit, and is actually more like exercise than a stretch, and includes lunges, pushups with rotation, walking sideways with a resistance band. PNF (AKA Neuromuscular or Contract Relax) STRETCHING PNF means Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation, and it basically tricks the brain into lengthening a muscle. A trained professional will alternate between stretching your muscle and having you resist against the stretch. Again, many require assistance and I do not recommend having someone who is not trained assist you. SAMPLE PNF STRETCHES

MYOFASCIAL RELEASE is a technique for working out knots and adhesions that limit ability of your muscles to fully extend. Pressure is applied to the knotted area, and after about 30 seconds, the brain sends a signal to the muscle to relax. SAMPLE SMR STRETCHES