I want to start stretching. How long should I hold the stretched position?


When performing a static stretch to elongate an overactive or tight muscle, it is necessary to hold the stretch for a minimum of 20-30 seconds. Anything less that that amount of time will not allow the muscle fibers and tissues adequate time to release tension and reach the desired length. It is also important to stretch the muscle only to the point where you first feel tension and then stop. Pushing the muscle too far can result in injury. After holding the stretch for 20-30 seconds, you can repeat the movement for the desired repetitions (usually 2-3 reps).

Dr. Mike Clark, DPT

When stretching muscles that have become tight and short, research indicates that for optimal benefits you should hold the stretch for 30-60 seconds and complete it 1-3 times. It is important that you do not push too hard or too far into a stretch because our muscles have a built-in protective mechanism that cause them to fight back instead of relaxing when pushed beyond a comfortable limit. Take the target muscle(s) into the stretch until a slight amount of tension is felt, hold for 30-60 seconds, and repeat for the desired number of repetitions – this will ensure you receive maximum results from your stretching routine. 

Dr. Michael Roizen, MD
Internal Medicine
The best way to stretch is to warm up for at least 5 to 10 minutes before you stretch.  It can be dangerous to stretch a cold muscle.  Once you’re ready to stretch, hold the stretch for 5 seconds, release for 5 seconds, and then execute again, holding for 10-30 seconds.  Repeat two or three times.  And definitely don’t hearken back to the 80s and bounce.  It’s not a good idea.  It can also help to inhale when you’re about to stretch, and then exhale slowly as you stretch.

For a basic static stretch the pose should last from 20–30 seconds. Anything less won’t make a significant difference in lengthening the muscle fibers and tissue.

Wendy Batts
There are different types of stretching and flexibility techniques out there. The one most people associate with the word “stretching” is the technique of static stretching. This is where we get into a particular position or posture and hold it for 20-30 seconds. The purpose of static stretching is to lengthen muscle groups that tend to shorten up and become overactive. Improving the motion of overactive muscles increases the flexibility of the joints they pull on, thereby making our ability to move better and more efficient.
Static stretching with the 20-30 second hold is also where most of us should start with stretching. Below is a great example, the calf stretch.
Static calf stretch:

a. place your hands on a wall in front of you
b. take one step forward
c. straighten the back leg and squeeze the butt and quads to keep it locked out
d. be sure your back foot points straight or slightly inward
e. keeping your back heel firmly on the ground, lean toward the wall until you feel a slight stretch in the calf of your back leg
f. hold this position for 20-30 seconds and remember to breathe!
If you have a muscle that is short and needs to be lengthened, research shows that holding it in the stretched position for 20-40 seconds can increase its length. It is important to understand how to stretch as many people do this wrong. If you are stretching a muscle, you can assume it is shorter than normal length. Move the muscle into a lengthened position to the point where you first feel tension and stop. Pushing it farther is not better. Hold this position for the 20-40 seconds and then slowly release. You can repeat if desired. Injuries can and have happened due to people taking a stretch beyond their normal range of motion. Think of it this way, if you could move it really far, you probably did not need to stretch it in the first place.

Continue Learning about Flexibility Training

Flexibility Training

Flexibility Training

Flexibility training involves exercising at a low intensity to improve the range of motion of a joint. Static, active and dynamic stretching are all forms of flexibility training. By engaging in flexibility exercises you can impro...

ove posture, prevent muscular imbalances leading to injuries and reduce soreness after a workout.
