To improve flexibility and mobility, athletes and active individuals often rely on several forms of stretching. These involve lengthening or flexing a muscle or tendon to promote enhanced elasticity.

Stretching is a key component of any well-rounded exercise routine. And yet this vital element is often overlooked by many of us. "Flexibility exercises are just as important as cardio, strength and ...

Dynamic stretches are movements that people perform at a slower pace than most workouts. Individuals tend to do dynamic stretches to warm up their muscles and prepare for exercise. In recent years, ...

Without realizing it, many of us start our day by stretching before we even get out of bed. Involuntary stretching of your muscles is called pandiculation. It’s a behavior seen in most types of ...

Static stretching is when you hold a stretching position for 30 to 60 seconds without moving. Static stretches are best for post-exercise while dynamic stretches should be done as a warm-up. Benefits ...

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) is a form of assisted stretching. It combines passive stretching with muscle contraction. First, your partner applies force to stretch your muscle ...

Beth Skwarecki is Lifehacker’s Senior Health Editor, and holds certifications as a personal trainer and weightlifting coach. She has been writing about health for over 10 years. Flexibility is an ...

There are tons of different stretching exercises—you can stretch the whole body, or just focus on specific areas like the legs or hips. There are also static and dynamic stretches. The choice between ...

A new wave of research is showing what the old gym myths about stretching got wrong—and what you really need to do to reap its benefits. Some fitness experts recommend stretching before a workout, ...