Stretching: 9 Benefits, Plus Safety Tips and How to Start

Stretching offers a range of benefits, from increased flexibility to improved blood flow. Just be sure to start slowly and listen to your body to avoid injuryDrazen/Getty ImagIs stretching good for yoThere are many benefits to regular stretching. Not only can stretching help increase your flexibility, which is an important factor of fitness, but it can also improve your posture, reduce stress and body aches, and moreRead on to learn more about the benefits of stretching, plus how to start a stretching routine.

9 Benefits of stretchi1. Increases your flexibiliRegular stretching can help increase your flexibility, which is crucial for your overall health. Not only can improved flexibility help you to perform everyday activities with relative ease, but it can also help delay the reduced mobility that can come with aging2. Increases your range of motiBeing able to move a joint through its full range of motion gives you more freedom of movement. Stretching on a regular basis can help increase your range of mOne studyTrusted Source found that both static and dynamic stretching are effective when it comes to increasing range of motion, although proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF)-type stretching, where you stretch a muscle to its limit, may be more effective for immediate gains.

3. Improves your performance in physical activitiPerforming dynamic stretches prior to physical activities has been shown to help prepare your musclesTrusted Source for the activity. It may also help improve your performance in an athletic event or exercise.. Increases blood flow to your muscPerforming stretches on a regular basis may improve your circulationTrusted Source. Improved circulation increases blood flow to your muscles, which can shorten your recovery time and reduce muscle soreness (also known as delayed onset muscle soreness or DOMS).

5. Improves your posturuscle imbalances are common and can lead to poor posture. One studyTrusted Source found that a combination of strengthening and stretching specific muscle groups can reduce musculoskeletal pain and encourage proper alignment. That, in turn, may help improve your posture.. Helps to heal and prevent back paTight muscles can lead to a decrease in your range of motion. When this happens, you increase the likelihood of straining the muscles in yourStretchican help heal an existing back injury by stretching the musA regular stretching routine can also help prevent future back pain by strengthening your back muscles and reducing your risk for muscle strain.

7. Is great for stress reliWhen you’re experiencing stress, there’s a good chance your muscles are tense. That’s because your muscles tend to tighten up in response to physical and emotional stress. Focus on areas of your body where you tend to hold your stress, such as your neck, shoulders, and upper back8. Can calm your miParticipating in a regular stretching program not only helps increase your flexibility, but it can also calm your mind. While you stretch, focus on mindfulness and meditation exercises, which give your mind a mental break.