dangerous flexibility program consists of exercises that place unusual and
unnecessary stretch and/or force on muscles, joints, and nerves. Many so-called
stretching exercises have the potential to do more harm than good. No one should do an
exercise that has the potential to result in degenerative changes in joints and nerves
over time. Dangerous flexibility exercises that involve placing the head and neck (such
as the plough and shoulder stand bicycling), knees (e.g., the deep knee bends and
quadriceps stretch), and low back in an awkward or questionable position should be
avoided. It is unfortunate that so little credible information is available to athletes,
coaches, and individuals interested in flexibility training. The content in this chapter
should help lay a solid foundation for thinking straight about which flexibility exercises
should be avoided.
Keywords: Controversial flexibility exercises, Dangerous flexibility exercises,
Questionable flexibility exercises.
