It is mistakenly believed that 'bouncing' as you stretch helps muscles to stretch further. Sudden overstretching stimulates the stretch reflex causing the muscles to contract even tighter, in an attempt to prevent injury. Bouncing is counterproductive as it can cause small tears to the muscle tissue, which are experienced as muscle soreness or tenderness. Instead of bouncing, try concentrating on slow, sustained stretches, holding for 20 to 30 seconds. Once the muscle feel comfortable, gently increase the stretch and hold again.