Hot Stretching How-Tos

How To: Do a simple gluteus maximus stretch exercise

Learn how to perform a kick-butt stretch exercise for your glutes with this video tutorial. Whether you're looking to warm up, wind down or just increase your flexibility, a good stretch routine can go a long way. However, with stretching, as with any exercise, a basic mastery of proper technique is essential for both maximizing effectiveness and avoiding accidental injury. Happily, with free exercise videos like this one, learning the proper technique is easy. For more information, including...

How To: Perform warmup stretches for children's sports and activities

If your children are actively involved in things like gymnastics, cheerleading and dance, then they'll be dealing with a lot of rigorous movement, so stretching is key to prevent injuries. This video will show kids how they can do some great warmup stretches to increase flexibility for trampoline, gymnastics, dance, cheerleading, skating, ballet, tumbling and other children's sports.

How To: Jump higher and run faster doing plyometric exercises

In this tutorial, we learn how to jump higher and run faster doing plyometric exercises. Start out with an alternating exercise that you will rotate through all of and get progressively stronger within 10 weeks. In week on, start out with 15 speed squats. Then you will have 30 seconds of recovery followed by 15 lunges with each leg for a total of 30 lunges. Take another 30 second break, then do 10 lateral cone hops, barely touching the ground. Another 30 second recovery after this, then do 10...

How To: Do stretches to cure shin splints and relax tight calves

Shin splints suck. If you're a runner then you've probably had them at one point or another and you know how badly they hurt as well as weaken your ability to complete your usual jogging routine.

How To: Prevent many common workplace injuries

Sometimes we don't realize that some of our most common tasks are actually a major risk for our bodies, and before you know it, you have some sort of injury, like tendonitis. This video will give you the tips that you'll need to help you prevent some of the most common workplace injuries.

How To: Do a full body pre-workout stretch with Woman's Day Magazine

Learn some stretches from a fitness expert and Woman's Day Magazine. This video will show you the tip to doing a full body pre-workout stretch. Make sure you're standing relaxed with your feet planted firmly on the ground and your kneed bent slightly. Next, bring you hands about your head and hold. Lower your arms halfway. Then close your arms in front of you. Your stretching your whole upper body! Watch and learn the rest.

How To: Prevent injury with a kneeling quad stretch exercise

Learn how to perform a kneeling quad stretch exercise with this video tutorial. Whether you're looking to warm up, wind down or just increase your flexibility, a good stretch routine can go a long way. However, with stretching, as with any exercise, a basic mastery of proper technique is essential for both maximizing effectiveness and avoiding accidental injury. Happily, with free exercise videos like this one, learning the proper technique is easy. For more information, including step-by-ste...

How To: Do a simple hip flexor stretch exercise

Learn how to perform a hip flexor stretch exercise with this video tutorial. Whether you're looking to warm up, wind down or just increase your flexibility, a good stretch routine can go a long way. However, with stretching, as with any exercise, a basic mastery of proper technique is essential for both maximizing effectiveness and avoiding accidental injury. Happily, with free exercise videos like this one, learning the proper technique is easy. For more information, including step-by-step i...

How To: Do a resistance band warm up to prep for strength training

Contrary to popular belief, you don't need a whole room of exercise equipment or a gym to get in a good workout or warm up. In fact, for the most part all you need to lengthen and tone is a resistance band and your own weight.

How To: Do a laying quad stretch exercise

Learn how to perform a laying quad stretch exercise with this video tutorial. Whether you're looking to warm up, wind down or just increase your flexibility, a good stretch routine can go a long way. However, with stretching, as with any exercise, a basic mastery of proper technique is essential for both maximizing effectiveness and avoiding accidental injury. Happily, with free exercise videos like this one, learning the proper technique is easy. For more information, including step-by-step ...

How To: Do a quadriceps stretch exercise

Learn how to perform a simple stretch exercise for your quadricep muscles with this video tutorial. Whether you're looking to warm up, wind down or just increase your flexibility, a good stretch routine can go a long way. However, with stretching, as with any exercise, a basic mastery of proper technique is essential for both maximizing effectiveness and avoiding accidental injury. Happily, with free exercise videos like this one, learning the proper technique is easy. For more information, i...

How To: Do an easy groin stretch exercise

Learn how to perform an easy groin stretch exercise with this video tutorial. Whether you're looking to warm up, wind down or just increase your flexibility, a good stretch routine can go a long way. However, with stretching, as with any exercise, a basic mastery of proper technique is essential for both maximizing effectiveness and avoiding accidental injury. Happily, with free exercise videos like this one, learning the proper technique is easy. For more information, including step-by-step ...

How To: Do a standing outer hip stretch exercise

Learn how to perform a standing outer hip stretch exercise with this video tutorial. Whether you're looking to warm up, wind down or just increase your flexibility, a good stretch routine can go a long way. However, with stretching, as with any exercise, a basic mastery of proper technique is essential for both maximizing effectiveness and avoiding accidental injury. Happily, with free exercise videos like this one, learning the proper technique is easy. For more information, including step-b...

How To: Do an outer hip stretch exercise

Learn how to perform an outer hip stretch exercise with this video tutorial. Whether you're looking to warm up, wind down or just increase your flexibility, a good stretch routine can go a long way. However, with stretching, as with any exercise, a basic mastery of proper technique is essential for both maximizing effectiveness and avoiding accidental injury. Happily, with free exercise videos like this one, learning the proper technique is easy. For more information, including step-by-step i...

How To: Prevent injury with a tennis elbow stretch routine

Learn how to perform a tennis elbow stretch exercise with this video tutorial. Whether you're looking to warm up, wind down or just increase your flexibility, a good stretch routine can go a long way. However, with stretching, as with any exercise, a basic mastery of proper technique is essential for both maximizing effectiveness and avoiding accidental injury. Happily, with free exercise videos like this one, learning the proper technique is easy. For more information, including step-by-step...

How To: Do a wrist flexor stretch exercise

Learn how to perform a wrist flexor stretch exercise with this video tutorial. Whether you're looking to warm up, wind down or just increase your flexibility, a good stretch routine can go a long way. However, with stretching, as with any exercise, a basic mastery of proper technique is essential for both maximizing effectiveness and avoiding accidental injury. Happily, with free exercise videos like this one, learning the proper technique is easy. For more information, including step-by-step...

How To: Do an anterior shoulder stretch exercise

Learn how to perform an anterior shoulder stretch exercise with this video tutorial. Whether you're looking to warm up, wind down or just increase your flexibility, a good stretch routine can go a long way. However, with stretching, as with any exercise, a basic mastery of proper technique is essential for both maximizing effectiveness and avoiding accidental injury. Happily, with free exercise videos like this one, learning the proper technique is easy. For more information, including step-b...

How To: Do a lateral neck flexion stretch exercise

In this clip, you'll learn how to perform a lateral neck flexion stretch. Whether you're looking to warm up, wind down or just increase your flexibility, a good stretch routine can go a long way. However, with stretching, as with any exercise, a basic mastery of proper technique is essential for both maximizing effectiveness and avoiding accidental injury. Happily, with free exercise videos like this one, learning the proper technique is easy. For more information, including step-by-step inst...

How To: Do neck exercises to release tension

In this clip from Fine Living, learn how to get rid of tension in your head and upper body with simple neck exercises. These stretches are easy to do and can be performed at home. Check out this clip and get the stress out little by little. Relax!

How To: Strengthen your lower body

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to do a pedestal routine. This exercise circuit contains exercises. The exercises in this circuit are: 5 reps of prone leg lift, 5 reps of lateral leg lift, 5 reps of supine leg lift, 10 reps of donkey kicks, 20 reps of scorpions, 5 reps of Rockies, 5 reps of donkey whips, 10 reps of lower body crawl, 20 reps of iron cross, 20 reps of Australian crawl, 5 reps of pedestal lateral leg lift, 10 reps of groiners, 10 reps of hurdle seat exchange, 5 reps of...

How To: Do the Grant Green exercise circuit

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to the "Grant Green" exercise circuit. This exercise circuit contains exercises. The exercises are: 10 raps of donkey kicks, 20 reps of scorpions, 20 reps of iron cross, 8 reps of both lateral leg lifts with toe out and in, 5 reps of Rockies, 5 reps of donkey whips, 10 reps of lower body crawl, 10 reps of Australian crawl, 20 reps of pedestal lateral leg lift, 20 reps of groiners, 10 reps of hurdle seat exchange, 50 reps of Russian hamstrings, 20 reps...

How To: Do a total body stretching routine with a towel

In this tutorial, we learn how to do a total body stretching routine with just a towel. Start off by gripping the towel shoulder width apart and pull your arms apart while tensing your body and hold this for around 20-30 seconds, the try again. For the next exercise, bring the towel behind your head and face your hand behind you and pull the hand with your right and left while maintaining a 90 degree angle with the hand that's above you. The last exercise take the towel and stand on one leg. ...

How To: Do morning stretches to release tension

You know how you come home from work everyday with a tension-filled back that you just can't seem to work out? The 9 to 5 grind and commute to and from work takes a lot out of all of us, but there are things you can do to improve your back pain.

How To: Improve posture by activating your upper back muscles

In this video, Ozzie Jacobs shows how to activate your upper back muscles in order to tone them effectively when at the gym. As Ozzie explains, this is often more difficult to achieve due to the tendency of your shoulders to slump forward due to the effect of gravity. In order to properly activate your upper back muscles at a machine like a rowing machine, Ozzie advises her viewers to make sure that their back muscles are tightened, focusing and consciously trying to pull your shoulder blades...

How To: Reduce knee pains with corrective stretching

In this video, we learn how to perform corrective stretching to help knee pain. Perform these stretches on each leg for 1-5 minutes each. The first exercise you can do is with a step or a slightly elevated item. First, elevate your toe and stay on the heel, then bed at your hips and squeeze the quad of the front leg. Bend down so your arms touch the ground, remembering not to bend your knees. Next, place a mat on the floor and kneel onto it, placing your foot on a chair that's behind you. Hav...

How To: Do a 3-Minute Colon Cleanse Exercise

In this tutorial, we learn how to do exercises that help cleanse the colon. You will first need to start in a position where you are squatting with your hands on the ground in front of your feet.

How To: Perform the five Tibetan Rites

The Five Tibetan Rites have been performed every morning by some sects of Tibetan monks for hundred of years. They require no equipment and develop strength all over you body as well as proper digestion. Do these exercises every morning and you are sure to see positive results.

How To: Prevent back pain with hamstring stretches

It's no surprise that there's a link between not stretching your muscles and crippling back pain. Admittedly you work at an office all day, bum blued to your chair, but that's no excuse to continue your non-movement when you get home. In fact, if you have an office job it is almost indispensible that you stretch your muscles out or else you will develop a pinched spinal cord.

How To: Do a cartwheel for beginners

In this how to video, you will learn how to do a cartwheel. It is recommended to be able to do hand stands before attempting this, as it will be easier. When you are coming down, you want your front foot to come straight down. The hand will be pointing the opposite way. The other hand will come around at shoulder width. The other foot should come around. The point is to have your body come completely over where your hands and feet are. Make sure you throw your body in the direction knowing yo...

How To: Become more flexible with exercise

In this how to video, you will learn how to become more flexible. This refers to the range of motion you can attain around a joint. This can be useful for keeping your body fit and becoming a better lover. You will also be less prone to injury. You will also get slimmer. The best time to do this is after a workout. Hold each movement for ten to fifteen seconds. Although you may feel a pull in the muscle, do not stretch to the point of pain. Yoga and Pilates is another away to increase flexibi...

How To: Do exercises to increase vertical jump

If you are having trouble with your vertical jump, check out this tutorial. In this video are two exercises that will increase your vertical jump. We start off with Hand MB Depth Jump which when landing off of the box overloads your body eventually helping you to gain more power in your vertical jump. The second exercise is the Box Jump which is simple and will also increase your vertical jump. Remember to keep the rep range low so, you can give maximum effort with each jump.

How To: Increase your vertical jump and create power

Working out your core is important in sports.

How To: Stretch your legs for high section kicks

In this video we learn to stretch our legs so we can perform our high section kicks easier. A good start is taking your leg and bending your knee so your foot is right behind your butt. Hold your foot there for about 30 seconds. Then, trying to keep your foot where it is, bring your leg out to the side. Hold this for 30 seconds. Next you can lift your leg and hold your knee to your chest and hold. Do these stretches on each leg for your upper leg. Now for your lower leg, keep your heels on th...

How To: Strech using the "cardio barre"

Joanie Greggains shows us some stretching exercises using the "Cardio Barre." This is a great way to start your day or to warm up for a mild to moderate cardio workout. She introduces a portable ballet or cardio barre to use for balance and support. If you do not have a cardio barre, you can always use the back of a chair or bookcase. You hold on to the cardio barre facing forward and place your feet shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent as you bend at the waist, keeping your back straigh...

How To: Ignore painful muscles and keep exercising

Sore muscles are no fun, but the only way to make it stop is to continue working out. The more you work your muscles, the stronger they will get and the less they will hurt when you use them. No matter how much it hurts you have to work through the pain. Check out this tutorial for info and advice on how to get past the aches and reach your maximum potential.

How To: Do a split

Splits are popular in dance and cheerleading, do you think you can do one? Practice, practice, practice and check out the helpful tips in this video to avoid injury.

How To: Do the splits to improve martial artistry

Acroholic teaches you how to do splits to improve martial artistry. You need to start with a few warm-up exercises. Repeat each of the exercises 15 times. First, simply lift your left leg as high as you can, then do the same for the right one. You then do the same exercise, only this time you also add a spin to the lift. Next, stretch your legs on the ground, kneeling and putting one in front of the other. Hold the tension when you're doing the start of a split for at least 30 seconds. For th...

How To: Do the splits if you're a boy

In this video from 01blackkat01 we learn how to do the splits if you are a boy. First you must stretch. First legs apart, lean to right and left and right and left. Now stretch with palms to the floor, move forward, spread legs more, walk hands behind legs. Hold it. Come back up. Straight leg stretch is next. This requires you holding onto your foot as you stretch it up towards the ceiling. Now give your legs a little shake. Open your legs, open arms wide and reach for your toes. Slowly push ...

How To: Perform advanced stretching techniques

The video first opens up with a muscular man standing in a well lit weight room. He begins with a quick description explaining how he will be performing the stretches and then begins to do so. He swings his leg back behind him and bends it and pulls it up to his behind, he continues to do so for some time. Next he brings the same leg forward and stretches it over his other knee. After that, he bends over and exhales and touches his toes. He then gets a foam pillow and stretches his legs out c...

How To: Use stretching techniques to help you gain muscle

This is a demo showing how to do Stretching & Flexibility Techniques for Fat Loss, Muscle Gain, & Athleticism. It includes pull ups with proper stretching on the shoulder, triceps, biceps and abdominal muscles. Try to keep your vertebra straight and erect while doing any type of exercises. Push-up exercises may built your chest as well as your biceps muscles. Also, it may improve your abdominal muscles. You can also do hamstring and calf muscle exercises lying down on the floor and by stretch...