>>570442When stretching, you need to keep the target muscle/group under total relaxation, as if they don't work anymore or don't exist. Additionally, scar tissue in muscle is broken up and dispersed with the help of oxygen in the bloodstream so it is important to breathe through your diaphragm (true breath) thoroughly as you stretch, because stretching back to full-range of motion creates more scar tissue.
3 full diaphragm breaths takes roughly 10 seconds and relaxes the body, while muscles should be held for 20 seconds+ (even a minute) for a proper stretch, so all around it is at least 30 seconds per stretch because the stretch starts from the moment you actually relax which is after your 10 seconds of breathing, not before. Once you've hit your stretch, you need to freeze and just breathe. Don't keep moving past that point and don't go back. If you move that muscle/group during your stretch, then that becomes the new spot and you need to restart your 20 second+ count.
Also FYI diaphragm breaths don't make noise, don't move your ribs, and should occur effortlessly.
