Stretching keeps the muscles flexible, strong, and healthy, and we need that flexibility to maintain a range of motion in the joints. Without it, the muscles shorten and become tight. Then, when you call on the muscles for activity, they are weak and unable to extend all the way.
Benefits of stretching
Improve your performance in physical activities.
Decrease your risk of injuries.
Help your joints move through their full range of motion.
Increase muscle blood flow.
Enable your muscles to work most effectively.
Improve your ability to do daily activities.
As long as you're not overdoing it, the more regularly you stretch, the better it is for your body. It's better to stretch for a short time every day or almost every day instead of stretching for a longer time a few times per week. Do a 20- to 30-minute session at least three times per week.