Stretching isn’t just a “nice-to-have” add-on to your workout—it’s a foundational practice with wide-ranging benefits for your body and mind. Here’s why it matters so much:

Have you ever suffered from foot cramps, fallen arches, weakness around the ankles or simply tired, achy feet?

Many of us rely on high tech athletic shoes or insoles for support. But the assumption that the right pair of shoes will fix everything obscures a major underlying cause of foot discomfort: weak muscles and stiff joints.

Have you ever suffered from lower back pain?

This kind of injury usually occurs after sudden impact, such as twisting or overstretching. It often can happen when exercising, particularly if you are new to an activity or by making sudden moves after sitting for longer period of time. Lifting heavy objects also can place excess pressure on the spine and create a risk of injury.

Let’s not forget that sitting for long hours can also take its toll on the lower back – pain and discomfort in the back is very common amongst office workers too. Sitting, particularly in the stressful environment, can place an incredible amount of pressure on a lower back area. So how can recover and prevent it?

Do you stretch when you exercise?

Stretching is the deliberate alignment of the muscles so called “lengthening”, in order to increase muscle flexibility and joint range of motion. Stretching exercises are one the most important important part of any exercise or rehabilitation program. They help warm the body up prior to activity thus decreasing the risk of injury as well as muscle soreness. The benefits of stretching are endless and have been proven through various studies over a long period of time. Stretching benefits people of all ages, and is intended for the young as well as the elderly population.