Which of the following is a safety guideline for stretching?

• A. Do not bounce
• B. Do not stretch
• C. Hold 2 seconds
• D. Breathe deeply during stretch

Answer: (A)

Avoiding bouncing during stretching prevents the muscle from reacting with a quick, reflexive tightening and reduces the risk of strains or tears. When you bounce, you’re forcing the muscle to lengthen abruptly, which can irritate tissues and lead to injury, especially if you’re not warmed up. Instead, move into a gentle, gradual stretch and hold it long enough for the muscle to relax and lengthen with controlled effort. Breathing steadily helps you stay relaxed, but the main safety point is to maintain smooth, steady stretches rather than rebounding.