Be sure to move into each stretch slowly and stop when you feel slight tension and not pain. Unless otherwise noted below, hold your stretch for at least 10 seconds; about 30 seconds is ideal. As you hold your stretch, the feeling of tension should diminish. If it doesn’t, ease off slightly.
To take your stretch one step further, move a fraction of an inch deeper until you feel mild tension again. Hold for an additional 10 to 30 seconds. If at any time the tension increases or becomes painful, you are overstretching – ease off. Your breathing should be slow, deep, and rhythmic.
Now that you’ve got all the tips, here are 7 simple yet effective stretches you can do right now; and in just a few minutes you’ll be feeling looser and lighter.