1
Stretching helps lengthen muscles to their full range of _______ and prepares them for strenuous activity.
motion
Dynamic stretching involves performing movements at a slower ______ than during strenuous physical activity.
pace
Stretching reduces the risk of muscle ______ by loosening tight muscles.
strains
Stretching before bed can enhance _______ quality by relaxing the body.
sleep
Muscles are _________, meaning they exhibit both elastic and time-dependent properties when stretched.
viscoelastic
The process of raising the temperature in muscles and joints through movement is known as a _______.
warm up
________ stretching involves slower movements to warm up muscles, while ________ stretching focuses on holding a position.
Dynamic stretching helps prevent muscle soreness by increasing blood flow and muscle _______.
strain
Something that is elastic can stretch but wants to return to its original _______.
shape
Increased blood flow during warm-ups improves the _________ of muscles, allowing for safer movement
elasticity
Stretching can reduce muscle _______, making it easier to return to physical activity.
soreness
The risks of not stretching include reduced _________ and flexibility, which can affect everyday movement.
elasticity
Viscoelastic muscles, when stretched properly and often, become ______ over time.
Static stretches are performed while holding a ________ __________ for a set period of time.
particular position
Low back pain and joint pain can be alleviated by regularly ________ tight muscles.
stretching
Tight muscles can pull on joints, increasing the likelihood of pain and ________.
discomfort
Stretching increases ________ in tissues, improving flexibility and protecting against joint pain and injury.
flexibility
Dynamic stretching should be done ________ physical activity, while static stretching is best done ________.
before; after
Deep breathing combined with static stretching has been shown to reduce _______ and improve mood.
stress
Static stretching performed during recovery helps to increase overall muscle _________.
flexibility