Why Stretching Matters 2nd October 2025

My husband is a Sports Massage Therapist. He frequently treats clients with joint issues and back pain that have arisen because of tight muscles. Many of these clients are active, “fit” people who run, lift weights, row, or play racquet sports. However, despite usually being aware that they should warm up before an exercise session and warm down afterwards, they don’t do it.
 
Does this sound familiar?
 
It's easy to understand why stretching is often ignored. Unless you are taking part in a coach-led, organised training session, it’s very much left up to the individual to motivate themselves to exercise before they exercise. In our fast-paced world, it can be tempting to cut corners in our keenness to get going with the main event. Taking the time to warm down can be even harder. You may have squeezed in your workout between work and picking up the kids, or you might just want to get straight to the bar!
 
While I don’t want to put my husband out of business, taking the time to stretch before and after activity, or when you’ve been sitting at a desk for a long time, may save you a lot of discomfort and expense in the long term.
 
Stretching improves the flexibility and range of motion of muscles and connective tissues. Keeping your muscles pliable reduces the risk of injury, as your joints will move more easily and your muscles will be less likely to strain.
 
A good stretching routine can boost athletic performance, address imbalances, improve posture, balance and coordination. Stretching relieves stress and muscle tension, and improves blood flow to the muscles, which disperses the lactic acid built up during exercise, aiding recovery and reducing muscle soreness (DOMS). A programme which lengthens tight muscles can alleviate chronic pain and stiffness.
 
Making regular stretching a routine through classes in PureStretch, Pilates, or Yoga can help maintain joint health and functional independence as you age. 
 
If you would prefer to stretch on your own, starting with a couple of classes to show you how to stretch effectively, or taking a deep dive into YouTube, is a good idea.

When should I stretch?
 
Pre-Workout: use dynamic stretches, which involve active movements, to prepare your muscles for exertion and increase body temperature. 

Post-Workout: do static (held) stretches to help muscles recover and improve long-term flexibility. 
 
In the Morning: A gentle morning stretching routine to wake up your muscles and prepare your body for the day can offer significant benefits for overall flexibility, mobility, and stress reduction. Focus on major muscle groups and hold each stretch for about 20-30 seconds

Breaks: If you have a desk job, take short breaks to stretch every hour. Focus on areas of your body where you tend to hold tension such as your neck, shoulders and upper back. Stand up, stretch your arms overhead, circle your shoulders, rotate your spine and fold down toward your toes and take some small back arches. This will help relieve stress.
 
Evening Relaxation: Wind down your day with some gentle stretching before bed. This can help relax your muscles and improve your sleep quality. While you stretch, focus on mindfulness and meditation exercises, which help calm your mind.