
Explore the physiology of stretching, including range of motion, static and dynamic flexibility, muscle spindles and golgi tendon organs, and factors that influence posture and mobility.
Stretch the upper body to improve flexibility, targeting the neck, shoulders, back, arms, forearms, wrists, and hands. Hold each stretch for 30–60 seconds after warmups, with static, controlled movements.
Learn lower-body stretching to improve flexibility, targeting hips, glutes, thighs, hamstrings, quads, abductors, calves, ankles, and feet; practice static, post-activity stretches held 30 to 60 seconds, with gradual progression.
Perform safe static neck and back stretches after every activity, holding 30–60 seconds to improve flexibility, including neck flexion, extension, lateral and diagonal moves, cobra, knees-to-chest, and hip twist.
Adapt stretches for injuries or limited range, use straps or rope, then roll with foam or balls to release tension and deepen flexibility.
perform a whole body stretching routine that fluidly moves from floor stretches to standing poses, targeting hips, back, shoulders, and legs with 30 to 60 second holds.
In this course, the physiology of stretching will be covered, including the terminology, anatomy and specifics of stretching. There are several types of stretching and these are covered here with examples of each type. Specific stretches for different areas of the body are covered as well as issues and solutions that can occur when stretching. This includes the lower body - feet, calves, front of the lower leg, hamstrings, quads, hip flexors and gluts as well as deep hip rotators. For the upper body - the hands, wrists, forearms, triceps, biceps, shoulders and shoulder girdle are covered. The trunk includes the lower back, middle back, upper back, neck and face. The course finishes with an example of a whole body stretching program. This program can be done in stages on different days or as a whole program done each day. Stretches include instructions on what you should feel and where and how to decrease the stretch as well as increase the stretch. Stretching is important for healthy, painfree daily function. It is important to know how to do properly and prevent injuries while also not causing them while stretching. This course will help you know the difference and help you design your own stretches that work for you and others.