Static stretching involves holding a muscle in a stationary position for how long?

• A. 5 seconds or less.
• B. 30 seconds.
• C. 10 seconds or more.
• D. 60 seconds.

Answer: (C)

Static stretching works by lengthening the muscle as you hold it still long enough for the muscle to relax rather than just tightening briefly. You need a hold long enough to overcome the immediate stretch reflex and allow gradual lengthening, which happens when you maintain the stretch for about 10 seconds or more. This is why the option describing “10 seconds or more” is the best match: it sets the minimum duration that is generally effective for improving flexibility, while longer holds (like 30 or 60 seconds) are also used in practice but aren’t required for the concept being tested. Holds of 5 seconds or less are usually too short to produce meaningful gains.