A guide to basic stretches

Date Updated: 06/18/2024

It's helpful to include stretching in your exercise plan. Stretching can increase flexibility and improve the range of motion in your joints. Being more flexible can help you move more freely and be better able do daily activities. And the flexibility you gain from stretching might protect you from injury.

Balance exercises, such as balancing on one foot, can help prevent and cut the risk of injury from falls too.

Stretching safely

Before stretching, warm up with 5 to 10 minutes of light activity. It's usually best to stretch after a workout. Keep stretches gentle and slow. Don't bounce. Breathe through your stretches. If you feel pain, you've stretched too far.

Stretch until you feel a slight pull. Then hold the stretch for about 30 seconds. Repeat the stretch on both sides 2 to 4 times. Aim to stretch major muscle groups in your body at least 2 to 3 days a week.

If you have health conditions or injuries, talk to a healthcare professional or physical therapist about which stretches are right for you.

Calf stretch

The calf muscle runs along the back of the lower leg. To stretch the calf muscles:

Stand at arm's length from a wall or a piece of sturdy exercise equipment.
Put your right foot behind your left foot.
Slowly bend your left leg forward, keeping your right knee straight and your right heel on the floor.
Hold your back straight and your hips forward. Don't rotate your feet inward or outward.
Hold for about 30 seconds.
Switch legs and repeat.

To deepen the stretch, slightly bend your right knee as you bend your left leg forward.

Hamstring stretch

The hamstring muscle runs along the back of the upper leg. To stretch the hamstring muscles:

Lie on the floor near the outer corner of a wall or a door frame so that your left leg is next to the wall.
Raise your left leg and rest your left heel against the wall. Keep your left knee slightly bent.
Gently straighten your left leg until you feel a stretch along the back of your left thigh.
Hold for about 30 seconds.
Switch legs and repeat.

As your flexibility increases, increase the stretch by gradually scooting yourself closer to the wall or door frame.

Quadriceps stretch

The quadriceps muscle runs along the front of the thigh. To stretch the quadriceps muscles:

Stand near a wall or a piece of sturdy exercise equipment for support.
Grasp your ankle and gently pull your heel up and back until you feel a stretch in the front of your thigh.
Tighten the abdominal muscles to prevent your stomach from sagging outward, and keep your knees close together.
Hold for about 30 seconds.
Switch legs and repeat.

Hip flexor stretch

The hip flexors allow you to lift your knees and flex at your waist. These muscles are found on the upper thighs, just below the hip bones. To stretch your hip flexors:

Kneel on your right knee. Use a folded towel to cushion your kneecap.
Place your left foot in front of you, bending your knee and placing your left hand on your left leg for stability.
Place your right hand on your right hip to avoid bending at your waist. Keep your back straight and abdominal muscles tight.
Lean forward, shifting more body weight onto your front leg. You'll feel a stretch in your right thigh.
Hold for about 30 seconds.
Switch legs and repeat.

Iliotibial band stretch

The iliotibial band (ITB) is a band of tissue that runs outside the hip, thigh and knee. To stretch the ITB:

Stand near a wall or a piece of sturdy exercise equipment for support.
Cross your left leg over your right leg at the ankle.
Extend your left arm overhead, reaching toward your right side. You'll feel a stretch along your left hip.
Hold for about 30 seconds.
Switch sides and repeat.

Knee-to-chest stretch

The knee-to-chest stretch focuses on the muscles of the lower back. If you have osteoporosis, avoid this stretch because it may increase the risk of compression fractures in the back bones.

To do this stretch:

Lie on your back on a firm surface with the backs of your heels flat on the floor.
Gently pull one knee up to your chest until you feel a stretch in your lower back.
Bring your knee as close to your chest as comfortably possible.
Keep your other leg relaxed in a comfortable position, either with your knee bent or with your leg extended.
Hold for about 30 seconds.
Switch legs and repeat.

Shoulder stretch

If the back of your shoulder is tight, you can have rotator cuff problems. These problems are more likely if you golf or play overhead racket or throwing sports, such as tennis or baseball. To keep your shoulders flexible:

Bring your left arm across your body and hold it with your right arm, either above or below the elbow.
Hold for about 30 seconds.
Switch arms and repeat.

Shoulder stretch with towel

The shoulder's internal rotators are part of the group of muscles often used in overhead sports activities. These activities can include a tennis serve or an overhead throw. To stretch these muscles:

Grasp a rolled-up towel firmly with both hands, as shown.
Gently pull the towel upward with your top hand. You'll feel a stretch in the shoulder of your opposite arm as your lower hand is gently pulled farther up your back.
Hold for about 30 seconds.
Switch hands and repeat.

Neck stretch

To stretch your neck:

Bend your head forward and slightly to the right.
With your right hand, gently pull your head downward. You'll feel a nice, easy stretch along the back left side of your neck.
Hold for about 30 seconds.
Switch sides and repeat.