Stretching

Stretching is one of the most overlooked areas of exercise. Stretching increases your flexibility and can help prevent injuries. By not stretching, you will be opening yourself up to possible injuries that could have been avoided with a few simple warm-ups and stretches.

It's important to note that you should never stretch "cold" muscles. Always warm your muscles up before you stretch by running in place, doing side straddle hope, jumping rope, etc.

There are different types of stretching techniques but the one most often used by Marines and athletes is called static stretching. Some examples include:

• Hurdler
• Butterfly Stretch
• Sitting stretch
• Tricep stretch
• Calf stretch

These stretches are all achieved by moving slowly to the desired position and holding for a set amount of time. Usually 10 - 30 seconds. Marines always do these type of stretches before any physical training session and so should you.