The ultimate goal of stretching is to increase the functional range of motion around your joints, to improve your physical performance and decrease your risk of injury. Here are a few more reasons why you should stretch.
A flexible joint is able to move through a greater range of motion while expending less energy to do so.
Stretching will decrease resistance in tissue structures so you’re less likely to be injured during activities.
To reduce your muscle soreness and improve your posture.
Will help reduce muscle soreness by increasing your blood flow to the tissue, allowing it to remove more toxins while supplying more nutrients. Will help your posture by improving your muscular balance, and correcting poor postural habits.
To reduce your risk of lower back pain.
Stretching promotes relaxation in muscles, so they’re not in constant contraction requiring more energy to be wasted. Flexibility in the quadriceps, hamstrings, hip flexors and muscles around the pelvis will reduce low back pain.
To increase blood and nutrients to tissues.
Stretching will increase tissue temperature, which increases circulation of blood and nutrients. Increased nutrients and joint synovial fluid will allow a greater range of motion and reduces joint degradation.
To improve your muscular coordination.
Stretching increases neuromuscular coordination by improving the time it takes for an impulse to travel to the brain and back (nerve-impulse velocity).
To enhance your enjoyment of physical activities.
Helps relax both mind and body and brings a heightened sense of well-being and personal gratification.