Stretching is fundamental to good health. Among its many benefits, stretching lengthens the muscles, improves flexibility and joint range of motion, gets the blood flowing and prepares the joints for work. It is a relaxing and healthy activity by itself and is vital in preventing exercise-related and chronic stress injuries.

Unfortunately, people tend to sacrifice stretching when time is tight, putting themselves at risk for debilitating chronic stress and exercise-related injuries. People who try to save a few minutes by not stretching may find themselves sidelined for weeks as they nurse pulled tendons, strained muscles, or just because they feel overly sore. Stretching at least twice a week is recommended by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).

Stretching can also help combat the effects of aging and inactivity, both of which cause the muscles, tendons and ligaments to shorten, reducing flexibility. As a result, it becomes more difficult to meet life’s physical challenges (e.g., lugging groceries, carrying children, doing household chores). Furthermore, stretching exercises can alleviate symptoms of stress, carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis.