As you head into the gym, you likely already have a workout plan in mind. Maybe you’re taking a light jog on the treadmill, or you’re working on some bicep curls on arm’s day. To get the most out of ...

As a deeply unathletic person, gym class was my waking nightmare, punctuated by myriad soccer balls to the stomach and scoring goals for the wrong team. The one thing I didn’t absolutely loathe or ...

That pre-workout stretching routine you learned in high school gym class might be sabotaging your performance more than helping it. For decades, fitness culture has promoted stretching myths that ...

When we think about working out, we often focus on cardio or strength training. However, a crucial part that sometimes gets overlooked is stretching. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting ...

Want to stay limber as you age? If so, your workout routine should include stretches for flexibility. Building flexibility into your workout routine is important, as it can help you get more out of ...

One familiar archetype in lifting is the very strong person who can’t bend down and tie their shoes. We see it in plenty of gym locker rooms, and that ugly truth — strength getting in the way of ...

If your fitness routine includes a pre-workout stretch, you may be spinning your wheels — or worse, hurting yourself. Many of us were taught that it's important to stretch before running or exercising ...

For many people, stretching exercises often land on the list of “things I should do but don’t.” They’re easy to skip because stretching can feel uncomfortable, less stimulating compared to your ...

There are tons of different stretching exercises—you can stretch the whole body, or just focus on specific areas like the legs or hips. There are also static and dynamic stretches. The choice between ...

All products featured on Self are independently selected by Self editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, Condé Nast may earn an affiliate commission. Anastasiia ...

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) is a form of assisted stretching. It combines passive stretching with muscle contraction. First, your partner applies force to stretch your muscle ...

Editor’s note: Dana Santas, known as the “Mobility Maker,” is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and mind-body coach in professional sports, and is the author of the book “Practical ...