3.3 - Active Stretching
Description
This article is from the Stretching FAQ, by Brad Appleton Brad_Appleton@ivhs.mot.com with numerous contributions by others.
3.3 - Active Stretching
"Active stretching" is also referred to as "static-active stretching". An
active stretch is one where you assume a position and then hold it there
with no assistance other than using the strength of your agonist muscles
(See "1.4 - Cooperating Muscle Groups"). For example, bringing your leg up
high and then holding it there without anything (other than your leg
muscles themselves) to keep the leg in that extended position. The tension
of the agonists in an active stretch helps to relax the muscles being
stretched (the antagonists) by reciprocal inhibition (See "1.6.4 -
Reciprocal Inhibition").
Active stretching increases active flexibility and strengthens the
agonistic muscles. Active stretches are usually quite difficult to hold and
maintain for more than 10 seconds and rarely need to be held any longer
than 15 seconds.
Many of the movements (or stretches) found in various forms of yoga are
active stretches.
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