logo

The Global Domain Name (url) Families.com is currently available for acquisition. Please contact by phone at 805-627-1955 or Email for Details

What is PNF Stretching?

PNF refers to the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation and it’s a stretching technique that many people find they prefer when it comes to exercise. I’m pretty sure that PNF is easier to say and since I can barely pronounce what it stands for so PNF is easier for me too.

So what is PNF stretching?

PNF refers to the tightening of your muscle as hard as you can before you stretch it. Consider for a moment, clenching your calves and hardening them before doing a calf dip designed to stretch those calves out. When you tighten those muscles reflexively you are stretching them and demanding much from the muscle and relaxing them from the tightening.

You can also perform the PNF on your hamstrings and it may be a preferable way to stretch this length of muscle. The idea is that you are creating a reflex in the muscle and that reflex will make those muscles more receptive to the stretch you are about to perform.

So how do you do a PNF stretch on your hamstrings?

Simple, lay on your back and press your heels into the wall and hold that for a count of five or a count of ten then relax your legs again. The more you tighten them, the further you are stretching and the more you get out of the process. Many personal trainers use PNF stretching to get the most from their stretching sessions with their clients.

You can perform PNF on your own, but many trainers believe for it to be truly effective you need a second person to work with because the second person can encourage you to stretch further and reach harder. The research into this area of stretching is growing and it looks very positive in the effect that it is having on those who are stretching and developing. In fact, one local gym in my area actually offers a 45 minute fitness class on this type of stretching.

Have you ever performed PNF stretching as a part of your routine?

Related Articles:

Stretching – What You Need to Know

Stretch Routines – Simple Tips to Follow

Walking Injuries – What You Need to Know

Walking Injuries – What You Need to Know & More

This entry was posted in Fitness Tips and tagged , , by Heather Long. Bookmark the permalink.

About Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago. They have a beautiful daughter who just turned five years old. She is learning to read and preparing for kindergarten in the fall. An author of more than 300 articles and 500+ web copy pieces, Heather has also written three books as a ghostwriter. Empty Canoe Publishing accepted a novel of her own. A former horse breeder, Heather used to get most of her exercise outside. In late 2004, early 2005 Heather started studying fitness full time in order to get herself back into shape. Heather worked with a personal trainer for six months and works out regularly. She enjoys shaking up her routine and checking out new exercises. Her current favorites are the treadmill (she walks up to 90 minutes daily) and doing yoga for stretching. She also performs strength training two to three times a week. Her goals include performing in a marathon such as the Walk for Breast Cancer Awareness or Team in Training for Lymphoma research. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and experience through the fitness and marriage blogs.