Stretching is an essential part of almost every workout — especially running. Even going on a short jog works your muscles, and many doctors recommend stretching both before and after exercise.

Without realizing it, many of us start our day by stretching before we even get out of bed. Involuntary stretching of your muscles is called pandiculation. It’s a behavior seen in most types of ...

When talking specifics, stretching terminology can get confusing. “Passive” and “static” generally refer to the same old-school method of relaxing into a stretch and holding it for 30 to 60 seconds.

Stretching may provide a variety of benefits. People can perform stretches anywhere and at any time. Doing so regularly may help increase flexibility and reduce the risk of injury. Share on Pinterest ...

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) is a form of assisted stretching. It combines passive stretching with muscle contraction. First, your partner applies force to stretch your muscle ...