Why Stretching Feels Good

We know instinctively that stretching is good for us but do we know why? Well one reason is when muscle fibres shorten and tighten, blood flow slows and the body finds it difficult to get rid of toxins. Think of what happens when you get a knot in a hosepipe. By lengthening the muscle and stimulating blood supply you release the blockage and allow toxins to flow out and nutrients to flow in. Another reason that stretch feels good is that it loosens the tendons and ligaments around your joints and allows them to function smoothly (well, more smoothly than usual anyway). Stretching also relaxes muscles that have been tightened by stress and, in so doing, helps to manage the stress itself - this is particularly true for the muscles of the neck and shoulders. Massage therapy works along the same lines, so do yoga and pilates. Bottom line: stretching as part of your workout is great (do it at the end of your session for maximum long-term benefit) but stretching at any time will give your system a boost.