You’ve probably done it without thinking — raising your arms, arching your back, yawning wide. That’s stretching, and your body does it for a reason. Whether it’s before sports or after sitting in one spot for too long, stretching helps your muscles wake up, move better, and feel less stiff.But there’s more going on beneath the surface. When you stretch, tiny muscle fibres lengthen and become more flexible. This means your body can handle movement better — whether you’re running on the field, climbing stairs, or just sitting with better posture. Over time, stretching regularly helps prevent injuries like pulled muscles or joint pain.Stretching also boosts blood flow. As your muscles stretch, your blood vessels open up, carrying more oxygen to your brain and body. That’s why a quick stretch can make you feel more awake and focused — even in the middle of a boring class!It also helps your body feel calmer. Gentle stretches send signals to your nervous system to relax. That’s why athletes stretch before a game to warm up — and after, to cool down. And it’s also why stretching before bed can help you sleep better.You don’t need to be super bendy or do yoga to get the benefits. Just reaching for your toes, rolling your shoulders, or doing a simple neck stretch can make a difference — especially after hours of sitting or screen time.
