GUIDELINES FOR STATIC STRETCHING

Take the following precautions to reduce the possibility of injury during stretching:

·         Warm up using a slow jog or fast walk before stretching.

·         Stretch only to point at which you feel tightness or resistance to your stretching.  Stretching should not be painful.  Hold the stretch for 10 to 30 seconds.

·         Be sure to continue normal breathing during a stretch.  Do not hold your breath.

·         Use caution when stretching muscles that surround painful joints.  Pain is an indication that something is wrong – it should not be ignored.