10 approaches to stretching in yoga
Here are 10 approaches to stretching in yoga:
- Passive stretching: In this approach, you hold a stretch for a period of time without actively engaging the muscles involved. This is often used in yin yoga and restorative yoga.
- Active stretching: This involves actively contracting the muscles being stretched, then relaxing and allowing them to lengthen. This is commonly used in dynamic flow styles of yoga.
- Isometric stretching: In this approach, you engage the muscle being stretched while holding the stretch, creating tension without movement.
- PNF stretching: Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretching involves contracting and then relaxing the muscle being stretched, followed by a deeper stretch.
- Partner stretching: This approach involves using a partner to assist in stretching deeper than you could on your own.
- Yoga strap stretching: Using a strap can help deepen stretches and allow for more stability in certain poses.
- Yoga block stretching: Blocks can be used to help modify poses and make them more accessible, or to deepen stretches.
- Gravity-assisted stretching: This approach involves using gravity to deepen stretches, such as in inverted poses like headstand or shoulder stand.
- Breathwork stretching: Focusing on the breath can help release tension and deepen stretches. This can include inhaling to create space and exhaling to release tension.
- Dynamic stretching: This approach involves moving through a sequence of poses to increase flexibility and range of motion. This is often used in Vinyasa or Power yoga styles.