Activities that lengthen and stretch muscles can help you prevent injuries, back pain, and balance problems. A well-stretched muscle more easily achieves its full range of motion.

When should you do flexibility exercises?

Flexibility exercises should be performed daily, and are best performed before and after exercise. You’ll want to incorporate foam rolling and static stretching (holding a stretch for 20-30 seconds) and as your workouts progress move into active-isolated and dynamic stretching.

Why is stretching important?

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.