How to Stretch not Strain

When stretching it can seem like the only way to get extremely flexible is to go to town and stretch as hard as you can. However this can be counterintuitive because i you strain a muscle it will far less flexible than before. You see, your muscles are like rubber bands. It is important to not let a rubber band sit to long or when you try to stretch it out it will be crusty and just snap but, if you stretch it too much it will loose its elasticity. The balance between the to is key and not really that hard to do. Next time you stretch keep these things in mind. There are tools you can use to help. I you are stretching your feet get a Theraband! Do this a lot to strengthen you feet.


Don't over work one area.
I you do to many reps of something you can pull something remember to only do sets of 15 or 20 and only to repeat then up to 4 times. This will prevent you from overusing a muscle making you extremely sore.

Even out your body.
If you stretch one side do the other swell if you don't your body will feel lopsided and it will not be beneficial. Also do not focus all your stretching into one area because then your body won't look good. If your legs are flexible but you hips or back are not it will not make much of a difference from before.

Take breaks.
I you take a quick break in between stretches it will help keep you going long while not getting as sore the next day. A good way to do this is Stretch during commercial breaks. This way you have 2 or 3 minuets of stretching followed by 10 or 15 minuets of relaxation.

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Finally, Don't push yourself to hard.
Yes, you always want to push yourself, but know you limits. Do not force something that you can not do. Baby steps is the way to go. You will not gain anything but pain from taking it to far to fast.

I you keep these in mind while stretching you will see a increase in flexibility throughout your dancing soon! Be patient and always keep practicing. If you stretch every night you will make progress in no time! Always remember to warm up and cool down before and after stretching. Stay sea and have fun! See you next week.