Flex With Flair

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Stretch For More Strength
Become A Better Athlete
Treat and Prevent Sports Injuries
Before your next pickup game, try this sports-specific stretching technique from John Cone, M.S., C.S.C.S., a soccer-training specialist in North Carolina. Because each move progresses to a new stretch, your muscles transition more easily from low to full-speed movements, a shift that fuels sports injury.
1. Bend forward so your hands touch the ground, and "walk" your hands out. Make sure your knees are behind your hips and your hands slightly in front of your shoulders. Then straighten your legs and spine. Hold for 3 seconds.
2. Pick up your head and bring your right leg forward into a lunge position. Your right knee should be directly above your right heel. Press your hips down and keep your hands on the ground inside your right foot. Hold for 3 seconds.
3. Lift your torso so that your spine is straight, interlock your fingers, and press your hands overhead. Then slightly arch your back and hold for 3 seconds. Repeat the stretching circuit, this time lunging with your left leg.
The combo targets six different muscle groups.
Provided by Men's Health