The US councel of exercise top 10 reasons to stretch
1. Decreases muscle stiffness and increases range of motion
Stretching helps improve your range of motion which may also slow the degeneration of the joints.
A flexible muscle is less likely to become injured. By increasing the range of motion in a particular joint through stretching, you may decrease the resistance on your muscles during various activities.
3. Helps relieve post-exercise aches and pains
After a hard workout, stretching the muscles will keep them loose and lessen a shortening and tightening effect that can lead to post-workout aches and pains.
Stretching the muscles of the lower back, shoulders and chest will help keep your back in better alignment and improve your posture.
5. Helps reduce or manage stress
Well stretched muscles hold less tension and therefore, leave you feeling less stressed.
6. Reduces muscular tension and enhances muscular relaxation
Stretching allows the muscles to relax. Habitually tense muscles tend to cut off their own circulation resulting in a lack of oxygen and essential nutrients..
7. Improves mechanical efficiency and overall functional performance
Since a flexible joint requires less energy to move through a wider range of motion, a flexible body improves overall performance by creating more energy-efficient movements.
8. Prepares the body for the stress of exercise
Stretching prior to exercise allows the muscles to loosen up and become resistant to the impact they are about to undergo.
Stretching increases blood supply to the muscles and joints which allow for greater nutrient transportation and improves the circulation of blood through the entire body.
10. Decreases the risk of low-back pain
Flexibility in the hamstrings, hip flexors and muscles attached to the pelvis relieves stress on the lumbar spine which in turn reduces the risk of low-back pain.