When it comes to stretching, timing is everything…

Active stretching allows you to move dynamically through a stretch while static stretching involves holding a stretch for longer time periods.

It’s important to stay within your range of motion and slowly extend your range. Otherwise, you risk adding micro-tears to the muscles and putting them at risk. It’s also good to do your strength training first and then stretch so your ligaments aren’t in a lengthened position when you add resistance.

Try to know your body and what the tightness of the muscles is telling you.

A neighbor returned to class one day and her years as a dancer left her with beautiful posture but super-tight hamstrings. She talked about needing to constantly stretch her hamstrings and I explained her glutes were probably weak and the hamstrings were tightening from carrying the extra work of stabilizing the spine.

Like a tennis match, we volleyed opinions back and forth for weeks. She would stretch her hammy’s and while it felt good in the moment, the next day her hamstrings were again tight as racket strings.

Two weeks into retraining her glutes the tightness in her hamstrings resolved. She could now sit down and do her work.

Stretch when it feels good for your body, evenings are often best, and aim for a few times a week.

Pilates works all your muscles in a functional range so your body has more natural flexibility, remember Your muscles will lengthen gradually and this is often the best way to increased flexibility.