​We’ve all been there: you’re warming up or cooling down, you pull your knee to your chest, and you think you're doing great just because your knee is high. But did you know that slouching into a stretch can actually do more harm than good? ​Whether you are prepping for a heavy squat session, working on mobility, or just stretching after a long day at a desk, proper alignment is everything. Let's break down the right and wrong ways to perform a standing knee-to-chest tuck so you can maximize your gains and protect your spine. ​The Danger of the "Lazy Stretch" (What to Avoid) ​When we don't actively engage our bodies, gravity takes over. In the "No" example on the left, notice how a lack of intention creates a chain reaction of poor biomechanics: ​The Collapsed Upper Body: The chest is closed and the back is heavily curved. This puts unnecessary stress on the thoracic and lumbar spine. ​The Inactive Core: When the core isn't engaged, you l...