Static stretching is described as which of the following?

• A. A rapid bouncing stretch
• B. A technique in which a muscle is slowly and gently stretched and then held in the stretched position. Person is stationary
• C. A stretch performed while moving through a range
• D. A stretch that causes maximal muscle contraction

Answer: (B)

Static stretching means lengthening a muscle and holding that position without movement. You gently ease into the stretch, reach a point of mild tension, and then keep the body in the stretched position. This stationary hold allows the muscle and connective tissues to adapt and lengthen over time. It’s the best description because it emphasizes a controlled, non-moving stretch rather than bouncing or moving through a range, and it doesn’t involve maximal muscle contraction. Ballistic stretching uses rapid bouncing, dynamic stretching involves moving through the range, and a stretch that causes maximal contraction would be an active or resisted contraction rather than a held, static lengthening. Typical holds are done for about 15–60 seconds at a comfortable, non-painful tension.