The Five Basic Stretching Techniques

Just as there is more than one way to "skin a cat," there is more than one way to stretch your muscles. Stretching refers to the process of elongation. Stretching exercises are performed in a variety of ways depending upon your goals, abilities, and state of training. For example, a world-class gymnast or a black belt in karate should perform more advanced stretches than individuals who are beginning stretching programs to improve their general flexibility.

There are five basic stretching techniques:

1. Static — see static-stretching
2. Ballistic — see ballistic-stretching
3. Passive — see passive-stretching
4. Active — see active-stretching
5. Proprioceptive (PNF) — see pnf-stretching

• Stretching = the process of elongation.
• Technique choice depends on goals, abilities, and state of training.
• Five basic techniques: static, ballistic, passive, active, proprioceptive (PNF).

• static-stretching — technique 1.
• ballistic-stretching — technique 2.
• passive-stretching — technique 3.
• active-stretching — technique 4.
• pnf-stretching — technique 5.