Evan Hoffman is a personal trainer at Boston Sports Club who has experience playing lacrosse. When warming up muscles before exercise, stretches should start small and controlled to avoid startling the muscles. Stretches should feel slightly beyond comfort but not painful, and should be held for 10 to 30 seconds without bouncing to avoid tearing muscles. Proper breathing and mindset can aid safe stretching, and consulting a trainer can help determine appropriate stretches.

2.  A graduate of the American Academy of
Personal Training, Evan Hoffman currently
serves as a trainer with the Boston Sports
Club. Evan Hoffman is also an experienced
athlete and has played lacrosse for both
Curry College and Wesley College.
While it is important to warm up the muscles
before exercising, there are safe and
unsafe ways to do so. An athlete stretches
to prepare for physical activity, so the
stretches themselves should not be too
intense at first.

3.  Experts recommend that an athlete start with small
and controlled movements of the body, so as not to
startle the muscles. The muscles should feel like they
are stretched slightly beyond the comfort level, but
pain is an indication that the stretch is too intense.
Sustained stretches should last for 10 to 30 seconds
and should be smooth. Bouncing during a stretch
can tear the muscle. Normal breathing and a calm
mindset can also help an athlete to stretch more
safely. For those new to stretching, a consultation
with a trainer can help to determine the most
appropriate stretching exercises.