Poll Results of "How Much Time Should We Hold a Stretch"

In a quick poll in 2021, we asked, “How long is the optimal amount of time to hold a stretch?” Not surprisingly, over 50% of people thought it was between 30 seconds and 1 minute.

It actually depends on your own body and previous flexibility training. You should hold each stretch until it releases. Use your breath as a guide.

What Does the Current Research and Clinical Experience Say About This?

This topic is explored more thoroughly in the post: How Much Time Is Ideal to Hold a Stretch for Long-Term Flexibility Gains, written by Alfred Ball, Kinesiologist and Level 3 Fascia Stretch Therapist, last updated in July 2026.