page_title: Stretching
hierarchical_section_title: Stretching
caption_attribution_description: Three ballet dancers performing a grand jeté jump
context_page_description: Stretching is a kind of physical fitness exercise in which a muscle is stretched on purpose to its fullest length in order to help the muscle's elasticity and its tone. This helps a person have better control of his or her muscles and be more flexible.
  Stretching, in its most basic form, is a natural and instinctive activity; it is done by many animals including humans. It may be done while yawning. Stretching often is done instinctively after waking from sleep, after long periods of being inactive, or after leaving small spaces and areas.
  Many athletes and dancers stretch deliberately before or after exercise in order to enhance performance and reduce injury.
  There are three basic types of stretching: ballistic, dynamic, and static stretching.
context_section_description: Stretching is a kind of physical fitness exercise in which a muscle (or muscle group) is stretched on purpose to its fullest length in order to help the muscle's elasticity and its tone. This helps a person have better control of his or her muscles and be more flexible.
  Stretching, in its most basic form, is a natural and instinctive activity; it is done by many animals including humans. It may be done while yawning. Stretching often is done instinctively after waking from sleep, after long periods of being inactive, or after leaving small spaces and areas.
  Many athletes and dancers stretch deliberately before or after exercise in order to enhance performance and reduce injury.
  There are three basic types of stretching: ballistic, dynamic, and static stretching.
caption: Three ballet dancers stretching to a grand jeté jump, Vienna
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