Health Viewpoints

The Health Benefits of Stretching and How to Do It Right

Healthy stretching benefits every body type and is particularly beneficial for the elderly and those with sedentary lifestyles, such as office workers.
The Health Benefits of Stretching and How to Do It Right
Stretching is particularly important for those with sedentary lifestyles and older adults. It enhances joint flexibility, restores muscle elasticity, and helps alleviate muscle soreness. BearFotos/Shutterstock
Amber Yang
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Stretching is particularly important for those with sedentary lifestyles and older adults. It enhances joint flexibility, restores muscle elasticity, and helps alleviate muscle soreness. However, proper technique is crucial. Rocky Liao, a classical Chinese dance instructor, shares insights on how to stretch correctly.

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), there is a saying: “Stretching your tendons by an inch extends your life by 10 years.” While this claim may be an exaggeration, it underscores the importance of maintaining healthy tendons for overall well-being and longevity.

7 Health Benefits of Stretching

1. Improves Joint Mobility

Stretching improves muscle elasticity and flexibility, which in turn enhances joint mobility. The movement of bones and joints is driven by muscles, and limited flexibility—particularly in muscles near the joints—can restrict joint mobility. Additionally, overly bulky muscles may hinder the range of motion of the joints.
Amber Yang
Amber Yang
Amber Yang is a certified personal trainer. She met all the requirements of the American Council on Exercise to develop and implement personalized exercise programs. She worked as a marketing manager for natural skin care products for years and as a health and beauty reporter and editor for ten years. She is also the host and producer of the YouTube programs "Amber Running Green" and "Amber Health Interview."