Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching relies on reflexes to produce deeper stretches that increase flexibility. These techniques can help improve mobility and injury recovery.

Benefits of Doing Middle Splits Stretches and lengthens your hips, thighs, and groin. Opens your hips and hip flexors.

Beth Skwarecki is Lifehacker’s Senior Health Editor, and holds certifications as a personal trainer and weightlifting coach. She has been writing about health for over 10 years. If you’ve been ...

The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their ...

To do the splits, you'll need to consistently stretch your hamstrings, hip flexors, and glutes. Stretches for the splits include the butterfly, piriformis, and kneeling hip flexor stretch. If you're ...

Gymnastics was part of my life for more than half of it. We know gymnasts are strong; I've written about bodyweight moves I still do to this day. We know they're flexible — case in point: Katelyn ...

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) is a form of assisted stretching. It combines passive stretching with muscle contraction. First, your partner applies force to stretch your muscle ...

Whether improving your flexibility was one of your new year’s resolutions, or you’ve been inspired watching certain tennis stars warming up at the Australian Open, maybe 2025 has you keen to focus on ...

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation, otherwise known as PNF stretching, is an advanced form of flexibility training. What makes it unique is that it involves both the stretching and contracting ...