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10 essential stretches for athletes

by WoV
source: 12minuteathlete.com; Photo: 12minuteathlete.com

Each of the stretches below will help you remain stronger and injury-free. But don’t push yourself too far—despite what your gym teacher may have told you, stretching should never actually hurt. Hold each of the stretches for 10-20 seconds. And never, ever bounce! WorldofVolley brings you the latest volleyball news.

Stretching

Stretching

1. Runner’s lunge with side stretch

Directions:

–  Assume a lunge position with your forward knee bent over your foot and your back leg extended behind you.
–  Bring your opposite arm over your head and lean into the stretch.
–  Drop your knee to the ground for a deeper stretch.
–  Repeat on the opposite side.

Muscles stretched: Hip flexors, obliques (side abs)

2. Sitting hamstring stretch

Directions:

–  Sit on the floor with your legs stretched out in front of you.
–  Bend one leg in at the knee.
–  Slowly bend forward from hips toward foot of straight leg until you feel slight stretch.
–  Hold for 10 to 20 seconds, then repeat on the other side.

Muscles stretched: Hamstrings (back of leg), lower back

3. Triceps stretch

Directions:

–  Put one arm overhead, positioning your forearm as close as possible to your upper arm.
–  Grasp your elbow overhead with your other hand.
–  Pull your elbow back and toward your head.
–  Hold stretch for 10-20 seconds, then repeat with opposite arm.

Muscles stretched: Triceps, lats

4. Pigeon pose

Directions:

–  Cross one knee in front of you while keeping the opposite leg straight behind you.
–  Place both hands on the ground in front of you and slowly lower your upper body down as low as possible.
–  Hold for 10-20 seconds then switch sides.

Muscles stretched: Hips, glutes, lower back

5. Chest opener stretch

Directions:

–  Stand or sit with your back straight and shoulders pulled back.
–  Reach behind you and clasp both hands together.
–  Bring hands up toward your head as far as possible.
–  Hold for 10-20 seconds.

Muscles stretched: Chest, shoulders

6. Runner’s lunge with quad stretch

Directions:

–  Assume a lunge position with your forward knee bent over your foot and your back leg extended behind you.
–  Drop your knee to the ground.
–  Reach your arm back and grab your foot or ankle and pull forward to stretch.
–  Repeat on the opposite side.

Muscles stretched: Hip flexors, quads (front of legs)

7. Twisted arm stretch

Directions:

–  Bring your hands out in front and cross your arms, one over the other.
–  Twist your hands such that the palms face into each other, trying to create contact with your fingers.
–  Hold for 4 counts, unwind your arms, and then repeat on the other side.

Muscles stretched: Lats, shoulders, triceps

8. Downward dog

Directions:

–  Start by kneeling on the ground with your hands shoulder-width apart on front of you.
–  Take a deep breath and raise your buttocks into the air, straightening your legs as much as possible.
–  Lower your head toward the ground and straighten your spine.
–  Lower your heels toward the ground as far as you can go to give your calves a good stretch.

Muscles stretched: Calves; releases tension in back, shoulders

9. Upward dog

Directions:

–  Lie face down on the ground with your feet hip-width apart and your hands resting next to your lower ribs.
–  Keeping your toes and hands on the floor, press your chest up so that your back is straight.
–  Squeeze your buttocks (to keep your back from hurting) and pull your shoulders back.
–  You may raise slightly above the ground for a deeper yoga stretch.

Muscles stretched: Chest, abs; opens up shoulders, upper back

10. Leg over or “Iron Cross” stretch

Directions:

–  Lie on your back with your legs straight in front of you.
–  Bring one leg straight into the air then bring across your body so it rests on the ground.
–  Hold for 10-20 seconds, then repeat on the other side.

Muscles stretched: Side of hips, lower back, middle back

Bonus stretch: Bridge

Note: a full bridge like the one above is only for more advanced stretchers. If this is too difficult for you, you can get a similar effect by keeping your head and shoulders on the floor while still raising your hips in the air.

Directions:

–  Lie on your back, bend your knees and pull your heels in toward your buttocks.
–  Keep your feet and knees hips-width apart and your toes pointed forward or slightly out.
–  Place your arms alongside your torso and roll your shoulders outwards.
–  Firm your arms into the ground to support some of your weight.
–  Lift your hips off the mat until they are about parallel to the floor.
–  Slowly lower yourself down.

Muscles stretched: Back, shoulders, abs

Read more Stretching articles.

Check out our Physiotherapy section, every Monday a new story! Tomorrow read about A common cause of pain sole of the foot: Morton’s Neuroma.

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