Stretching and Flexibility


This is the Table of Contents for the Stretching and Flexibility FAQ. The actual FAQ is extremely long, and is compressed to save space and transfer time. It is organized into chapters covering Physiology (as it relates to stretching), Flexibility, Types of Stretching, and How to Stretch; here are the relevant sections:

Introduction
Disclaimer
Acknowledgements
1 Physiology of Stretching
1.1 The Musculoskeletal System
1.2 Muscle Composition
1.3 Connective Tissue
1.4 Cooperating Muscle Groups
1.5 Types of Muscle Contractions
1.6 What Happens When You Stretch
2 Flexibility
2.1 Types of Flexibility
2.2 Factors Limiting Flexibility
2.3 Strength and Flexibility
2.4 Overflexibility
3 Types of Stretching
3.1 Ballistic Stretching
3.2 Dynamic Stretching
3.3 Active Stretching
3.4 Passive Stretching
3.5 Static Stretching
3.6 Isometric Stretching
3.7 PNF Stretching
4 How to Stretch
4.1 Warming Up
4.2 Cooling Down
4.3 Massage
4.4 Elements of a Good Stretch
4.5 Some Risky Stretches
4.6 Breathing During Stretching
4.7 Exercise Order
4.8 When to Stretch
4.9 Stretching With a Partner
4.10 Stretching to Increase Flexibility
4.11 Pain and Discomfort
4.12 Performing Splits
Appendix A References on Stretching
A.1 Recommendations
A.2 Additional Comments
Appendix B Working Toward the Splits
B.1 lower back stretches
B.2 lying buttock stretch
B.3 groin and inner-thigh stretch
B.4 seated leg stretches
B.5 psoas stretch
B.6 quadricep stretch
B.7 lying `V' stretch
Appendix C Normal Ranges of Joint Motion
C.1 Neck
C.2 Lumbar Spine
C.3 Shoulder
C.4 Elbow
C.5 Wrist
C.6 Hip
C.7 Knee
C.8 Ankle
Index