Q&A for How to Stretch

Try a seated twist. Sit on the front of your chair and inhale to lengthen your spine. Then, when you exhale, turn to either side. You can hold onto a table, your desk, or the side of your chair to gently twist to one side. You can rotate your head to gaze back, as well. Hold that for 5 breaths, then come back to center before repeating on the other side.

Sure, there's nothing wrong with that. In fact, it will help start your metabolism because it gets the blood flowing, giving you a healthy appetite and making you ready for the day.

Stretching increases flexibility in your joints which can make it easier to do the splits.

It is best if you stretch daily, and as you stretch, try to push yourself a little further every day. For example, if you are working on your sideways splits, try to spread you legs a little further every day. But do not stretch so far that it begins to hurt. Doing so can cause tissue scarring, higher resting muscle tone, etc.

Yes, but it is advisable to do a warm up before, even if it's just running on the spot for two minutes. This can help you avoid injury as your muscles are warm.

Yes, doing stretches in the morning is a great way to start the day.

Each pose requires a certain amount of time, but the average is 15 seconds.

Yes, you should always stretch before going to bed, it helps me relax my muscles so I can go to sleep much easier.

It hurts because your muscles are stretching. It probably means that those muscles are tight or not flexible for you.

No. As long as you are a normal healthy person is no reason to increase your heart rate before stretching.

No, it makes no difference in what order you do these exercises. Never overdo it, stop when any pain intensifies and consider alternating between muscle groups so as to not put too much stress on any one group.

When you workout, you're breaking down and rebuilding muscle fibers. When you stretch, you lengthen your muscle fibers and make your muscles more flexible.

Yes. Stretching will improve your flexibility. As will a healthy diet, a good and regular sleeping pattern, regular cardiovascular exercise, and strength training.

Stretch for at least 15 minutes and warm up 10 minutes before and after doing all the stretches.

Use a cross-trainer or treadmill or stationary bike for 5 minutes at a steady pace.This will get your heart rate up and increase blood flow to your muscles.

Of course, there's no reason why it shouldn't be. If you feel pain, discomfort, or any other adverse effect, simply stop.

Yes. Stretching is an important part in helping the body recover after a workout. Even if you don't work out and only stretch, it improves blood circulation, which is good for just about everything. However, health cannot be achieved or maintained through stretching alone.

Just keep practicing every day and go as far as you can. Flexibility can take a long time to develop, but it will come eventually.

Yes. If it is muscle pain, stretching most likely will help get rid of your back pain. You could also try put a hot water bottle on your back.

It is a good idea to take a bath after your workout because it will relax your muscles.

Don't be scared. Just take it slow and stretch a little at a time. There's nothing to be afraid of.

First go to your doctor, as it could be a worse tear than a micro and stretching could cause further damage. Also, from when you said that your calf tightens up, could it be possible it is a leg cramp? If it's that, stretching is the best way to get rid of the cramp. Heat and self-massage are also helpful for torn muscles (and muscle cramps).

That is most likely the release synovial fluid between two bones. It is no different than your knuckles cracking, and is nothing to worry about.

You should stretch before and after workouts. Stretch before to get ready and stretch after to cool down.

No. Height is not something you have control over. It is based on your genes.

Though some muscles are harder to stretch than others, pretty much all muscles can be stretched in one way or the other. So every area of your body can be stretched.

Yes, this will help to stretch the back as well. There are lots of specific exercises for stretching your back directly, as well.

The same as with anything else: to lengthen the muscles back to their normal shape after a workout, and to allow your body to gain the maximum benefits from each workout. However, since there is rarely any need to vigorously work out any neck or head muscles, there is no real need to stretch your neck more than a little bit.

Yes, incorporating stretching into your routine would be beneficial to you. Just make sure that you stretch properly so that you do not hurt yourself.

In general, it's never too soon to stretch. Right after surgery, or having just had stitches might preclude stretching altogether, but apart from such extreme cases, it's never bad to stretch. The key is in not overdoing it. Go slow, start small, and stop if the pain intensifies.