The purpose of Stretching and warm-ups includes: keeping muscles supple, increasing range of motion of joints, enhancing flexibility, improving coordination, increasing body temperature and heart rate, increasing blood flow to muscles and preventing injuries.

The right way to stretch is slow and relaxed. DO NOT BOUNCE. This can actually cause you to pull the muscle you are trying to stretch.

You should stretch to the point of "MILD TENSION". If you overstretch you will also cause damage. Back off if the stretch feels painful.

Hold the stretch for a minimum of 15 seconds each, without bouncing. BREATHE slowly and naturally. Do not hold your breathe while stretching. Relax the stretch. Stretch one or two more times with each stretch. Try to stretch a little further with each stretch. Again, only to the point of mild tension.

Do stretches that cover the Hamstrings, Thighs, Hips, Calfs, ankles, Mid section, arms and neck. It shouldn't take any longer than 5 minutes at most to stretch all these areas. Make it part of your daily routine before going out to skate. You don't have to do it in front of everyone at a street spot or in the skatepark :)