2.  An accomplished student athlete, Cody Saltsman
has begun a conditioning and strengthening
program to help him regain his abilities after surgery.
Cody Saltsman incorporates weight training as well
as stretching into this routine.
Stretching stands out as an important part of any
athlete's conditioning routine. The American College
of Spots Medicine suggests that athletes stretch each
major muscle group at least two times per week to
help muscles stay flexible. Physical therapists have
confirmed this recommendation, stating also that
flexibility from stretching helps to preserve range of
movement later in life.

3.  Both static and dynamic stretches can be
effective, albeit at different times. A
dynamic stretch, in which the body moves
a muscle group through a full range of
motion, tends to be the most effective and
safest before a workout. Static stretching,
by contrast, addresses muscles when they
are warmed up and most flexible and can
be most effective for increasing flexibility.

4.  In all stretches, both dynamic and static,
the athlete must take care to stretch the
muscles in the correct direction and with
proper posture to avoid injury. Finally, no
stretch should extend to the point of
pain, as this can cause the muscles to
contract.