When you are performing a static stretch it is recommended you hold it between 20-30 seconds. When you stretch a tight muscle, the first thing your muscle wants to do is contract. This is a protective mechanism so you don't injure that tight muscle. If you hold the stretch for 20-30 seconds, then the muscle will think that everything is alright and that it's not going to get hurt, so it can begin to relax. This will help lengthen the muscle. The more you stretch the muscle, the more "trust" the muscle will have in you and will relax easier and easier, thus becoming more and more extensible, leading to improved flexibility.
Static streching is a good technique to relax and lengthen your muscles. You should hold all static stretches for 20-30 seconds and perform 1-3 sets
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