Why Stretching is Important...

Daily stretching will help you feel better, more youthful and become more limber. Most importantly, stretching leads to improved flexibility that helps to prevent injury, increase circulation and improve overall well being.
Stretching can be done anywhere and at any time. Stretching does not require any special equipment making it perfect for individuals no matter their fitness level or location.

Static stretching is stretching muscles while the body is at rest, which gradually lengthens a muscle. When done properly, static stretching allows the muscle to relax and stretch farther.
To do a static stretch, hold a stretch for a minimum of 15-30 seconds. NEVER BOUNCE. You should feel tension in the muscle, but never pain. If a stretch is painful, discontinue the stretch immediately.
Muscles should be warm when stretched. Do light activity before stretching, stretch after a warm shower and always stretch after activity. Stretching warm muscles increases the long term benefits associated with stretching. A good stretching routine does not require a lot of time. Just five minutes per day can make a difference. Some of the benefits:

•  Flexibility is the degree to which an individual muscle will lengthen. Lack of flexibility slows movements and makes them less fluid increasing your risk for injury. Stretching is the most effective way to increase flexibility.
• Stretching increases blood flow to muscles. Increased blood flow increases nourishment to the muscles and removes waste. Increased blood flow also helps to speed up recovery from injuries.
• Stretching helps improve cardiovascular health. Stretching can improve artery function and lower blood pressure.
• Stretching reduces muscle fatigue and soreness which occurs because your body flushes out the lactic and uric acids which are the product of your muscles, ligaments and tendons doing work to move your body.
• Increase Range of Motion: Stretching increases the length of both muscles and tendons. This leads to an increased range of movement, which means your limbs and joints can move further to decrease the likelihood of an injury.
• Enhance Coordination: Maintaining the full range of motion through your joints keeps you in better balance. This will keep you mobile and less prone to injury from falls.
• Better Posture: Chronically tight muscles lead to poor posture, which can affect the function of other muscles, internal organs and your appearance.
• Increase Energy Level: Resulting from increased circulation.
• Stress Relief: Stretching helps relax tense muscles resulting from stress and the feeling of relaxation brings a sense of well-being and reduced tension.