Factors affecting flexibility, Methods of stretching, Types of stretch, When to stretch

1. Flexibility and stretching- how to stretch,
when to stretch
I advise everyone to perform any stretching under supervision. A lot of muscular and
joint damage can occur if the technique is not correct. I have list here some guidelines
and contraindication but these are not enough to avoid injury.
Durring jogging the muscles tend to shorten so stretching is necessary to bring the
muscles back to their normal length after the session. It also brings other benefits such
as:
1. increased range of motion (ROM)
2. reduced muscle tension and increased physical and mental relaxation
3. reduced risk of joint sprains or muscle strains
4. reduced risk of back problems
5. decreased muscular soreness (DOMS) associated with other exercise
activities
6. decreased muscle viscosity, causing contractions to be easier and smoother
7. improved co-ordination by allowing for greater ease of movement
8. improvement and development of body awareness
9. improved capability for circulation and air exchange
10. improvements in posture
Factors affecting flexibility
Age
Young people are normally more flexible than older people (Wilmore et al, 1978).
Babies and infants are very flexible and start to lose this natural flexibility as soon as
they start to walk (when the joints become weight-bearing and need more stability).
As we get older, muscle contractility remains, whilst elasticity is lost, resulting in tighter,
stiffer muscles. There is also a reduction in activity levels as we age, which will cause a
decrease in flexibility.
Gender
Studies have shown females to be more flexible than males in most joints and to remain
so throughout adult life (Getchell, 1979). The reasons for this are uncertain, but may be
attributed to the structural or anatomical differences or different activities and training
experiences of boys and girls early in life.
During pregnancy and in the post-natal period, women produce excess amounts of a
hormone called relaxin to assist the birth process. The effects of relaxin are not

2. restricted to solely the pelvic area, but act throughout the body, allowing greater
flexibility than normal. Small levels of relaxin are constantly present, and will fluctuate
slightly throughout a normal menstrual cycle.
Temperature
An increase in temperature due to either direct heat or the weather can increase the
range of motion and elasticity of muscle and tendons.
A decrease in temperature can result in a decrease in flexibility of as much as 20%.
Exercise and resistance training
Active people tend to be more flexible than those with a sedentary lifestyle (Getchell,
1979). This is especially the case if the activity involves stretching exercises. Although a
comprehensive resistance training programme may increase ROM, resistance training
exercises with a limited ROM and higher loads may actually decrease ROM.
Heredity
Flexibility can be an inherited characteristic, as well as an acquired one. Some people
are born with a naturally excessive ROM. This can create a greater potential for injury
(e.g. joint dislocation) and it may be necessary to concentrate on strengthening the
muscles acting over the joint in order to increase stability.
Fashion
Female clients who constantly wear high heels may find that the muscles of the lower
limb (gastrocnemius, soleus, peroneals) adaptively shorten over a period of time.
Methods of stretching
Method of stretching Type of stretching Example
Active stretching Static
Dynamic
Ballistic
Standing chest stretch
Leg swings
Toe touches
Passive stretching Static
PNF
Wall chest stretch
Supine partner hamstring stretch
Active - using antagonist muscles; no assistance from external force or object
It involves actively contracting one muscle or muscle group in order to stretch its
opposing muscle group.
For example, pectorals actively contract to stretch posterior deltoids.

3. Tibialis anterior actively contracts to stretch gastrocnemius.
This type of stretching is very important for athletes, because it is an essential aspect of
dynamic flexibility and thus has a greater correlation with sports performance than
passive stretching.
Passive - assistance from partner, anoter part of the body or wall
A lying hamstring stretch where the hands are held behind the thigh or on the calf.
This method is used by physiotherapists to increase joint range and muscle length.
A partner can assist by gently pressing parts of the subject’s body through full range.
Great care and communication is required between partners using this method and so it
is not recommended for beginners.
Applying the external force incorrectly, excessively or too quickly may cause the stretch
reflex to initiate, perhaps causing injury. However, it can provide a greater range of
movement than active.
Types of stretch
Ballistic
This form of stretching involves quick, repetitive bouncing or bobbing actions. It is
undertaken in order to increase the stretch beyond the muscle’s normal range using
momentum and body weight.
It is generally considered unacceptable for the average exerciser, due to the
intramuscular damage that may occur as a result of the stretch reflex. These stretching
exercises can produce muscle soreness and even losses in resilience and elasticity.
They are used as a radical method of stretching adhesions and stubborn fibrous tissue
in physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
Dynamic
This is similar to ballistic stretching, however, the limb movements do not end with
bouncing or jerky movements, but instead, are performed under control. These
stretches should mimic the movements of the following sport or activity and act as a
kind of rehearsal.
 perform 10-15 repetitions of each stretch under control, gradually increasing the
ROM

4. Static maintenance
Static maintenance stretching is where the muscle is taken to the end of its normal
range and held without bouncing. These are short stretches, held for 10-15 seconds
(Moffat, 1988), and are used to maintain the normal length of the muscle.
Following repeated contractions during exercise, the muscle becomes shorter and
thicker and a maintenance stretch is used to return the muscle to its normal length.
Guidelines:
 take the stretch to the point of bind, maintaining good alignment and posture
 hold for 10-15 seconds
 repeat the stretch if desired
Static developmental
These stretches are used in flexibility training to develop the length of the fibres
themselves, thereby increasing range of movement at a joint. It should follow this
pattern
 take the stretch to the 'point of bind', maintaining good alignment and posture
 hold for 10 or more seconds, until the tension within the muscle has reduced
 relax and passively increase the ROM of the stretch until tension is felt again
 again hold for 10 or more seconds, until the tension within the muscle has
reduced
 again increase the ROM of the stretch until tension is felt again
 hold until the tension reduces, then slowly return the limb to its normal position
 repeat the stretch if desired
When to stretch
Although always advocated after a warm up, stretching can be performed at any time of
the day, appropriate to each person. You can stretch at home, watching TV, or at the
office, in order to balance out periods of immobility in positions of poor posture.
Stretching should form an integral part of the warm up and cool down. Static stretching
in the warm up has not been shown to decrease the incidence of injury, but may be
selectively included in a ‘corrective’ form.
An example of corrective static stretching would be to relax pectorals when training the
upper back for a more effective range of movement during retraction.
Dynamic stretching can be more easily prescribed as part of the warm up, using
exercises that will mimic the general movement of the following session.

5. Corrective static and dynamic stretches should be performed after some kind of pulse
raising/temperature rising warm up (Alter, 1998).
In the post-training, cool down part of the session, some kind of static stretching is
advised. This may be static maintenance, static developmental, or a form of muscle
energy technique stretch.
Warm up Cool down
Static stretching Static stretching
Dynamic stretching Developmental
Ballistic stretching Muscle energy techniques (METs)
Technical advice for flexibility training
 ensure correct position, posture and alignment prior to and during the stretch
 take the stretch to a point of mild discomfort and do not strain or passively
force a joint beyond
 its normal range of movement
 ensure correct breathing patterns are maintained and try to breathe calmly
and rhythmically
 exhalation during increases in ROM will aid whole body relaxation
 closing the eyes, where applicable, may aid relaxation, focus and awareness
 do not force a stretch whilst holding the breath
 wait until the stretch reflex has subsided, and the muscle has ‘relaxed’ before
attempting to
 going further into the stretch
 unilateral stretches should be performed on both sides, where required
 emphasise stretching the weight-bearing muscles and in particular, the multi-joint
muscles
 stretch towards the end of each workout as a minimal requirement, to prevent
any unwanted
 adaptive shortening. The muscles should be very warm and receptive to
extension, thus promoting recovery and relaxation
 stretching in either a sitting or reclining position may aid relaxation for
corrective and post-exercise stretching
 concentrate and communicate when working with a partner
 come out of a stretch as carefully as going into it
When undertaking a stretching programme:
 wear loose, comfortable and appropriate clothing
 remove all jewellery and discard any chewing gum
 choose a clean, quiet place with a non-slip surface, preferably a firm mat

6. Precautions for flexibility training
 decrease the stretch intensity or stop if the client experiences any local or
radiating pain, or any loss of sensation
 any mild soreness following stretching should last no longer than 24 hours. If
the soreness is prolonged, then the stretching was too aggressive
 use extreme caution when stretching any hypermobile joint, and question if
developmental stretching is necessary
 avoid excessive or aggressive stretching of recently immobilized tissues
(casting). These tissues can become dehydrated and lose tensile strength
 stretch with caution if there is known or suspected osteoporosis
For most individuals, stretching will provide many of the benefits previously mentioned.
However, there are certain individuals or groups for whom flexibility training may be
likely to cause injury, or where the possible concerns outweigh the potential benefits.
Contraindications for flexibility training
 any developmental, excessive, uncontrolled or ballistic stretching should be
avoided during pregnancy, due to the softening effects of relaxin
 if the movement is limited by a bony block
 avoid stretching a fracture site for approximately 8-12 weeks post-fracture
 any sharp pain occurring during a stretch
 any uncontrolled muscle cramping occurring during a stretch
 any infected joint or nearby tissue
 any acute inflammation, except for the majority of arthritic people
 a local haematoma (bruise), resulting from an overstretch injury
 certain vascular or skin diseases

7. Alexandra is a Transformational Health and Wellness Coach
and specializes in helping professional women in their 30's
and 40's to overcome stress, anxiety and depression which is
having a negative impact on their children, family and
professional life.
Her clients usually work with her because they feel overwhelmed, overworked and tired
and seek a more balanced lifestyle.
What separates her services from other Wellness Coaches is that she is a
Transformational Health and Wellness Coach. By using only the natural environment
and looking at all areas of your life and health you achieve massive transformation in
just 12 weeks.
Because of this, Alexandra's clients are happier, attain fuller health and have a more
fulfilling family life.
Alexandra Merisoiu
Transformational Health & Wellness Coach
www.joggingyourlife.com
alexandramerisoiu@joggingyourlife.com
Happy Healthy & Stress Free