Stretching is a process of straightening or extending a part of your body to improve your muscle elasticity, range of movement and tone. You can do it either at the beginning or end of a workout or as a practice on its own.
flexibility training, stretch exercise, mobility training
Stretching is a process of straightening or extending a part of your body to improve your muscle elasticity, range of movement and tone. You can do it either at the beginning or end of a workout or as a practice on its own.
Check out our safety recommendations.
Grab a bottle of water if stacking your stretching practice onto a workout.
Get set to stretch those muscles.
Once you are ready, head to our Practice Guides and get started.
Looking for detailed practice guides? Hang tight, they are coming soon!
Whether you’re adding a warm-up/cool-down stretch to your exercise routine or devoting your entire session to good old stretches for recovery and mobility, stretching your muscles is a wonderful thing to do for your body, no matter your age. And, it is just as important as your exercise routine.
Stretching helps you to improve your range of motion so that your muscles work most effectively, and may also help to decrease your risk of injury while improving your ability to do daily activities.
It keeps your muscles and joints healthy and can be done by almost anyone, regardless of your fitness level.
Are you ready to stretch those muscles?
Let us show you how!
With so many reasons to add stretching to your wellness routine, like improving your joint mobility and helping you to feel calmer and more relaxed, or to aid in muscle recovery post-workout, here are all the benefits you can experience from stretching.
Helps you feel better
Emotional well-being
Reduces brain fog
Intellectual well-being
Improves social connections
Social well-being
Strengthens the mind-body connection
Self well-being
Improves physical performance
Physical well-being
By integrating stretching into your routine, you can enjoy these benefits and contribute to a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.
Zendaya
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Beyonce
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Every sports team & athlete everywhere
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Bring It On (the cult classic of the year 2000)
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We know that you are almost ready to stretch it out. But before you do, there are some important things to keep in mind. Stretching is safe for most people, but these helpful tips will make sure that your first stretch will be the first of many.
The main categories of stretching are:
Active/static stretching
Passive stretching
Dynamic stretching
Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching
If you are new to stretching, you can start with a few simple active stretches in the morning after waking up, or you can stack a stretching practice onto the beginning and/or end of a workout.
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Listen to your body, start gradually and practise with care to minimise risks. If you are pregnant or have a health condition, we recommend consulting with your healthcare provider.
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Begin with a warm up.
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Use correct techniques and seek professional guidance if unsure.
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”Sure, this will be easy.”
😝
“Did they say I should point or flex my toes?”
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“Hang on, I can’t touch my toes!”
😩
“Why can’t I do it like them?”
🥳
“Oh yeah! I did it!”
Are you ready to start stretching?
We are busy working on detailed getting started guides and individual practice guides to follow.
Wondering whether you should start on your own, in a class or 1:1 with a teacher? Explore the table below and discover everything you need to know to get your practice started, right now.
Compare
Recommendation for first-timer
3rd pick
2nd pick
Availability
Widely
Widely
Widely
Average cost per session
Free or low cost
Free or low cost
Expensive
Special equipment required
None or minimal
None or minimal
None or minimal
Potential for socialisation & community
Mostly solo
Highly social
Social potential
Safety & skill building
Safe & fast
Safe & fast
Safe & fast
Space or privacy required
Minimal
Minimal
Minimal
Ease of scheduling
Very flexible
Quite rigid
Need to plan
Setup time
Little to none
Over 30 mins
Up to 30 mins
Active practice time
Under 20 mins
Up to an hour
Up to an hour
Unexpected advantages
Random
Wholesome
Actually useful
Ballistic stretching, involving bouncing movements, was once popular but is now considered less safe than other methods.
Regular stretching can help decrease the risk of developing chronic diseases like hypertension.
Stretching can improve posture and reduce back pain.
Ancient Greek athletes practiced stretching to prepare for competitions.
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8 memes
Effect of Flexibility Training Associated with Multicomponent Training on Posture and Quality of Movement in Physically Inactive Older Women: A Randomized Study
Sobrinho, A. C. da S., Almeida, M. L. de, Rodrigues, G. da S., Finzeto, L. C., Silva, V. R. R., Bernatti, R. F., & Bueno Junior, C. R. (2021). Effect of Flexibility Training Associated with Multicomponent Training on Posture and Quality of Movement in Physically Inactive Older Women: A Randomized Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(20), 10709. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182010709
Non-local Acute Passive Stretching Effects on Range of Motion in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis
Behm, D. G., Alizadeh, S., Anvar, S. H., Drury, B., Granacher, U., & Moran, J. (2021). Non-local Acute Passive Stretching Effects on Range of Motion in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis. Sports Medicine, 51(5), 945–959. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-020-01422-5
The Efficacy of Stretching Exercises on Arterial Stiffness in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized and Non-Randomized Controlled Trials
Kato, M., Nihei Green, F., Hotta, K., Tsukamoto, T., Kurita, Y., Kubo, A., & Takagi, H. (2020). The Efficacy of Stretching Exercises on Arterial Stiffness in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized and Non-Randomized Controlled Trials. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(16), 5643. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17165643
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2 introductions
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