Static stretching is used to stretch muscles while the body is at rest. It is composed of various techniques that gradually lengthen a muscle to an elongated position (to the point of discomfort) and hold that position for 30 seconds to two minutes. 30 seconds is the minimum duration to get the benefits of stretching, whereas two minutes is the maximum (if a position can be held for more than two minutes, a farther stretch should be performed). During this holding period or directly afterwards, participants may feel a mild discomfort or warm sensation in the muscles. Static stretching exercises involve specialized tension receptors in our muscles. When done properly, static stretching slightly lessens the sensitivity of tension receptors, which allows the muscle to relax and to be stretched to greater length.

There is doubt over the effectiveness of static stretching, with some circles of sport strongly recommending against it, such as soccer, slamball

Slamball

Slamball is a form of basketball played with 4 trampolines in front of each net. It is played "full contact" and has boards around the court....

 and rugby league

Rugby league

Rugby league football, usually called rugby league, is a full contact sport played by two teams of thirteen players on a rectangular grass field. One of the two codes of rugby football, it originated in England in 1895 by a split from Rugby Football Union over paying players...

. Recently, there has been a controversy over static stretching saying that it gets you ready but makes you weaker.

Further reading

Rebecca J. Donatelle. Health, The Basics. 6th ed. San Francisco: Pearsoucation, Inc. 2005.

External links

• Stretch Exercises
• Static Stretching Exercise Guide