Improving flexibility prevents injury, improves performance, and helps ward off pain caused by tight muscles. But when it comes to how you improve your flexibility, the approach has changed a bit. The new thinking has to do with static stretching, or just warming up by doing a “light” version of the exercise you are about to do. Years ago, people held stretches for a long time, to the point of muscle fatigue, but it was found that this could cause injury and actually impair athletic performance. Now stretching is recommended after a light warm-up, or the warm-up itself can serve as a stretch for that set of muscles and tissues. Stretches should be held for just 15 to 30 seconds. A thorough stretching routine should cover all muscle groups and joints you are about to move, on both sides of your body. 

Get a smart stretching routine from Cleveland Clinic Wellness fitness expert Melissa Hendricks, MEd, ACSM-HFI, ACE, in her two-part series. 

 Cleveland Clinic Daily Wellness Tip