Stretching is the application of force to musculotendinous structures in order to achieve a change in length, usually for the purposes of improving joint range of motion, reducing stiffness or soreness or preparing for activity. Stretching is generally achieved by exercises that place muscles in a lengthened position for a prescribed period of time, either dynamically or statically. There are many different methods purported to achieve this end, though few are supported by the literature. Essential Flexibility Training combines the related scientific literature with proven clinical techniques in order to outline the safest and most effective means of stretching possible, both before and after exercise.