why stretching is so important

Stretching keeps the muscles flexible, strong, and healthy, and we need that flexibility to maintain a good range of motion. 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. That puts you at risk of joint pain, injuries, strains, and muscle damage For example, sitting in a chair all day results in tight hamstrings which can ultimately lead to lower back pain. Also it can make it harder to extend your leg or straighten your knee all the way, which inhibits walking and may lead to knee pain. Likewise, when tight muscles are suddenly called on for a strenuous activity that stretches them, such as running, they may become damaged from suddenly being stretched. Injured muscles may not be strong enough to support the joints, which can lead to joint injury Regular stretching keeps muscles long, lean, and flexible, and this means that exertion won’t put the muscles under too much strain Healthy muscles also help a person with balance problems to avoid falls