There are several types of stretches:
*Static exercise: The static stretch consists of taking a joint close to the limit of its mobility and maintaining that posture for a few seconds.
*Dynamic stretching: One takes a body part in controlling movement until reaching its minimum point.
*Explosive or ballistic stretching: This is a dynamic stretch uses the inertia of the movement to take the joint farther than normal range of motion.
*Guided stretching
*Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation
In order to be effective, stretching exercise need to be of the correct type, which usually means gentle loosening exercises and prolonged static stretching rather than vigorous ballistic movements.
Loosening exercise involve slow, controlled movements that mobilize a joint and enhance its range of movement.
Among physical benefits of stretching include:
*Flexibility: stretching keeps the muscle fibers and joints flexible
*Prevention of injuries: Muscle stretching increase blood and lymph circulation and brings more oxygen and nutrients to the body part. It also reduced post-exercise muscle soreness.
*Improved general metabolism
*Improvement of movement and enhanced physical performance
Stretching exercise
