STRETCHING TO PERFECTION

126. STRETCHING TO PERFECTION It's ironic how many people spend thousands of hours contracting (shortening) their muscle by weight lifting, and yet devote little or no time to lengthening the muscles. Stretching is nothing more than the opposite movement to weightlifting. Stretching lengthens the muscles, plays a major role in warming the muscles, and research shows that stretching can also indirectly stimulate muscle growth. For maximum effect, spend 10 to 15 minutes each day stretching, and hold each stretch for 15 to 25 seconds.