STRETCHING is known to everybody without actually knowing it. As we all know, the active people lead fuller lives. Lack of physical activity leads to ill health. Regular exercise is therefore necessary to keep our body active.

Stretching is the link between inactivity and activity, between sedentary life and the active life. Every morning we unconsciously stretch our body still lying on bed itself. Stretching keeps the muscles supple, prepares us for movement and helps in making daily transition from inactivity to vigorous activity without undue strain. Strenuous exercises like running, cycling, mountaineering, playing hockey etc promote tightness and inflexibility. Stretching before and after these activities keep muscles and joints flexible and help prevent few common injuries of joints.

Stretching is the gentle sustained pull of joints and muscles which is relaxing and non-competitive. The feeling is subtle, invigorating and very relaxing.

Stretching is of two types : (1) Static Stretch, (2) Bouncing Stretch.
STATIC STRETCH : It is gentle pull of joints and muscles and holding it for some time i.e. sustained stretch is called static stretch. The feeling is relaxing and this is the right way to stretch.
BOUNCING STRETCH : When the pull of joints and muscles is bouncing up and down or side to side to the point of pain, then it is called bouncing stretch. This kind of stretches are usually harmful and therefore should be avoided.

If you stretch correctly and regularly, every movement becomes easier day by day. It will of course take some time to loosen up tight muscles or muscle groups. Have patience. The desired result will show up.

Everyone can learn to stretch regardless of age or flexibility. No specific skill is required for this. Any where, any time, any body can do some sort of stretchings, provided you feel comfortable while stretching.

Stretching reduces muscle tension, loosens the joints and gives the feeling of relaxation. It allows better coordination in body movement. It increases the range of motion and prevents injuries such as muscle strains etc by promoting blood circulation. Stretching before strenuous activities makes body ready for the high impactness of the activity.

BODY-PARTS TO BE STRETCHED :

1	Neck joints and Neck Muscles.
2	Shoulder joints, Shoulder blades.
3	Chest muscles.
4	Biceps, Triceps, Forearm muscles.
5	Elbow and Wrist joints.
6	Abdomen stretching.
7	Upper back and Lower back Muscles.
8	Spine, Hip joint.
9	Hip muscles, Thigh, Hamstring and Calf muscles.
10	Knee joint and Ankle joint.