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How to Stretch Before Exercising

Part 1 Part 1 of 5: Stretch one: The Bound Angle
  1. 1 Sit on the floor.
  2. 2 Bend your knees and put your feet together.
  3. 3 Place your hands on the ground in front of you and hold for 5 to 10 seconds.
  4. 4 Straighten out your legs and rest.
  5. 5 Repeat 3 to 4 times.
Part 2 Part 2 of 5: Stretch two: The Seated Back Twist
  1. 1 Sit on the floor with your legs straight.
  2. 2 Bend your left knee and place that foot over your right leg.
  3. 3 Place your left hand on the ground.
  4. 4 Bend your right elbow, place it on your left knee, and turn to the left and hold for 5 to 10 seconds.
  5. 5 Switch sides. Repeat 3 to 4 times taking a small break in between.
Part 3 Part 3 of 5: Stretch three: The Forward Hang
  1. 1 Stand with your knees slightly bent and your hands cupped behind your back.
  2. 2 Bend at the waist allowing your hands to stretch towards your head.
  3. 3 Hold for 5 to 10 seconds.
  4. 4 Repeat 3 to 4 times taking a small break in between.
Part 4 Part 4 of 5: Stretch four: Standing Side Stretch
  1. 1 Stand straight with your feet placed together.
  2. 2 Cup your hands and place them directly over your head.
  3. 3Bend your upper body to the right and hold for 5 to 10 seconds
  4. 4 Return to start position.
  5. 5 Bend your upper body to the left and hold for 5 to 10 seconds.
  6. 6 Take a small break.
  7. 7 Repeat 3 to 4 times.
Part 5 Part 5 of 5: Stretch Five: The Runner's Stretch
  1. 1 Step your right foot forward. Enter into a lunge position (see tips for definition of the lunge position).
  2. 2 Place your hands on the floor next to your right foot.
  3. 3 Straighten your right leg and hold for 5 to 10 seconds.
  4. 4 Switch legs and repeat.
  5. 5 Take a small break.
  6. 6 Repeat 3 to 4 times.