Health Tip: Suggestions for Stretching

2007/06/13

An important part of any workout

Stretching before exercise is a great way to warm up your muscles and prevent injury. But stretching the wrong way can cause problems, too.

Here are guidelines on how to stretch safely, courtesy of the Women's Heart Foundation:

• Stretch for at least five to seven minutes before exercising.
• Keep muscles relaxed, and stretch slowly. Never bounce your muscles while stretching.
• Stretch until you feel some tension in your muscles, but never until it hurts.
• Hold each stretch for at least 15 seconds, and breathe slowly and deeply.
• Relax, then stretch again for a few seconds longer at each stretch. Repeat each stretch several times.