Flexibility is important and that being said, it is probably one of the fitness components that is pushed to the side most often. The general consensus is that if I’m not a pro athlete, why stretch?

Well, this article is aimed at answering that question.

First of all, flexibility is not about becoming as supple as a gymnast but to form a balance in your body. Flexibility increases physical performance. A flexible joint  has the ability to move through a greater range of motion.  Stretching also helps reduce muscle soreness after exercise.

A very common problem among most people is lower back pain and i have written a previous article on that subject. Stretching reduces the risk of low back pain by promoting muscular relaxation.  Flexible hamstrings, hip flexors, quadriceps, and other muscles attaching to the pelvis reduces stress to the low back.
Another great benefit of stretching is an increase in the blood supply and nutrients to joint structures. Stretching increases tissue temperature, which in turn increases circulation and nutrient transport. This allows greater elasticity of surrounding tissues and increases performance. Stretching also increases joint synovial fluid, which is a lubricating fluid that promotes the transport of more nutrients to the joints’ articular cartilage. This allows a greater range of motion and reduces joint degeneration.

These are just a short list of the great benefits of stretching. There is no need to become a yoga fundi, but if you want, that’s great.

10 -15 min of stretching each day will give you benefits I spoke of above and you’ll have a fitter, stronger body.

Happy Training!