Why You Shouldn’t Skip Stretching

Stretching is the part of a workout most people rush through, or drop completely when they’re short on time. I get it. Once the hard part is done, it feels optional. But a few minutes of proper stretching can help with flexibility and muscle tension, and it may lower your chances of getting hurt.

What it does for your body

Stretching lengthens your muscles and lets your joints move through a bigger range. That makes everyday things easier, like reaching, bending and getting in and out of the car. It helps you keep good form when you exercise, and it can help you avoid injury.

What it does for your head

It’s also a nice way to wind down after a long day. And because you have to pay attention to where you feel each stretch, you end up more aware of your body than you are most of the day.

Where to start

• Hamstrings, the backs of your thighs.
• Quads, the fronts of your thighs.
• Shoulders, the ones that creep up toward your ears.

Mix it up so you reach different muscle groups, and do each stretch properly, with good form. Try to make it a regular thing, before you exercise and again after.