Picking the best assisted stretching exercises for your body can improve flexibility, relieve tension, and improve mobility. Assisted stretching involves using external support to stretch muscles further, which can be beneficial for people of all fitness levels.
Explore here some guidelines to help you select the right exercises based on your goals and body’s condition.
Consider your fitness level:
Your current fitness level should influence your choice of assisted stretching exercises. If you are new to stretching, start with gentle, simple stretches that focus on larger muscle groups like the hamstrings, calves, and back. As your flexibility improves, you can gradually increase the intensity and complexity of the stretches. Choose exercises that match your level to avoid injury and ensure proper progress.
Target specific muscle groups:
Different assisted stretching exercises target specific muscle groups. If you have tightness or discomfort in a particular area, select stretches that focus on those muscles. For example, if you experience tension in your lower back, stretches like the seated hamstring stretch with assistance can target that region. If your goal is to improve flexibility in the legs, consider stretches that stretch the quads or calves. Tailoring your exercises to specific muscle groups will ensure you address the areas that want attention.
Assess your flexibility goals:
Before selecting assisted stretches, think about your flexibility goals. Are you working on increasing general flexibility, improving range of motion in certain joints, or recovering from an injury? Based on your goals, you can select stretches that either focus on overall flexibility or target specific areas of concern. For example, if you’re looking to increase hip flexibility, you may want to focus on stretches that open up the hips, such as a partner-assisted hip flexor stretch.
Choose stretches with proper support:
When choosing assisted stretches, ensure that you have the right support, whether from a partner, a stretching device, or other equipment. The support should help guide the stretch without forcing the muscles too far beyond their natural range of motion. If you’re working with a partner, ensure they apply gentle pressure and avoid overstretching, as this could lead to strain or injury. Support should improve the stretch, not push your body beyond its comfort level.