Stretching basics

Stretching can improve your circulation and posture because it helps increase your range of motion, strength, coordination, and flexibility.

Regular stretching reduces muscle tension and promotes freer movement. It should be comfortable and relaxing. You should never stretch to the point of pain. When you stretch, work at your own pace and within your own limits.

As with any other fitness program, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before beginning a stretching routine. This is especially important if you have arthritis, joint dysfunction, or back problems. Stretching can be helpful to people with these conditions. But some exercises may overstress the joints. Here are some basic things to remember:

• Stretch after your regularly scheduled strength and endurance exercises.

• If stretching is the only kind of exercise you're able to do, stretch at least 3 times a week for at least 20 minutes each session.

• Do each stretching exercise 3 to 5 times during each session.

• Slowly stretch into the desired position, as far as possible without pain. Hold the stretch for 10 to 30 seconds. Relax. Repeat, trying to stretch a bit farther.

Here are some safety recommendations:

• If you've had a hip replacement, check with your surgeon before doing lower body exercises.

• Always warm up before stretching exercises. You can do them after endurance or strength exercises. If you're doing only stretching exercises on a particular day, do a little bit of easy walking and arm-pumping first. Stretching your muscles before they're warmed up may result in injury.

• Stretching should never cause pain, especially joint pain. If it does, you're stretching too far. You need to reduce the stretch so that it doesn't hurt.

• Mild discomfort or a mild pulling sensation is normal.

• Never bounce into a stretch. Make slow, steady movements instead. Jerking into position can cause muscles to tighten. This might result in injury.

• Don't lock your joints into place when you straighten them during stretches. Your arms and legs should be straight when you stretch them, but don't lock them in a tightly straight position. You should always have a very small amount of bending in your joints while stretching.

Desk stretches

You can do the following stretches while sitting at your desk or standing in your work area. Doing them a few times a day will help release the muscle tension in your hands, arms, shoulders, and back.

Do each stretch to the point of light tightness. Move your body slowly and gently.

Breathe deeply and regularly. Exhale as you bend into a stretch. Breathe in a controlled, rhythmic manner while you’re in the stretch.

Wrists

Reach your arms out in front of you. Rotate your wrists 10 times in a clockwise direction, then 10 times counterclockwise.

Arms and hands

Clasp your hands together in front of your chest at shoulder height. Extend your arms forward until you feel a stretch in your upper back, shoulders, arms, and hands. Hold for 15 seconds and relax. Repeat for 30 seconds.

Arms and shoulders

Lift one arm in front of you as if to grab something. Then use the other arm to pull the outstretched arm gently across the chest so that the muscles are stretched. Hold for 15 seconds and relax. Repeat for another 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat, using your left arm.

Neck and shoulders

Sit tall in a chair. Let your right arm down and grasp the seat. Then try to tip the head toward the left side. Holding onto the seat keeps your shoulders level during the stretch. Hold for 15 seconds and relax. Repeat for another 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat, using your left arm.

Chest

Bring your arms behind your back and link your fingers with your palms facing inward. Straighten your arms and lift them up until you feel a stretch in your arms, shoulders, and chest. Hold for 15 seconds and relax. Repeat the stretch for another 15 to 30 seconds.

Back

Sit tall in your chair and try to turn to grab the back of the chair while keeping your feet flat on the floor. Hold for 15 seconds and relax. Repeat the stretch turning to the other side.

Hips

Cross one ankle onto the opposite knee and sit tall. Then, lean forward from your hips, keeping your chest upright. This stretches the outer hip, which is the reason for many back problems. Hold for 15 seconds and relax. Repeat using the other leg.