Keeping our bodies flexible is an essential part of maintaining our health, mobility, and independence as we age. Yet flexibility is often the most overlooked component of a well-rounded fitness program.

Limited flexibility and mobility can contribute to many of the everyday aches and pains we experience, particularly in the back, shoulders, hips, knees, ankles, and feet. Unfortunately, stretching has not always been viewed as being as important as cardiovascular exercise or strength training. I believe it deserves a place right alongside them.

Flexibility becomes even more important as we age.

For many years, much of the fitness industry has focused on cardiovascular conditioning, strength, weight loss, and building muscle. Stretching and mobility have often been treated as the few minutes we squeeze in at the end of a workout rather than an important part of the workout itself.

Fortunately, that is beginning to change. As more adults remain active well into their 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond, the conversation is shifting toward something much bigger than simply looking fit: How do we stay strong, mobile, independent, and comfortable in our bodies for as long as possible?

Regular exercise is vital, but repetitive exercise without adequate mobility work can leave certain muscles feeling tight and restrict comfortable movement. A balanced fitness program should include cardiovascular conditioning, strength, balance, and flexibility.

When our bodies become stiff and movement begins to hurt, something very predictable can happen: we move less. We begin avoiding the movements that are uncomfortable. Less movement can lead to further stiffness, weakness, loss of balance, and weight gain, creating a cycle that becomes increasingly difficult to reverse.

Maintaining flexibility helps us continue doing the ordinary things that make an extraordinary difference in our independence: bending down, reaching overhead, turning to look behind us, getting up from the floor, climbing stairs, walking comfortably, and simply moving through our day with confidence.

Flexibility and mobility are also important following many injuries. Appropriate stretching may be incorporated into rehabilitation to help restore normal range of motion and movement, although stretching should always be appropriate for the particular injury and stage of recovery.

Our daily routines matter, too. Sitting at a desk, driving, standing for extended periods, or repeatedly holding our bodies in the same positions can contribute to stiffness and muscle tightness. Breaking up long periods of sitting or standing with movement and gentle stretching can help keep the body mobile.

As a fitness instructor and personal trainer for more than four decades, I have witnessed something that continues to amaze me: 50% or more of my students will leave an exercise class before the final 10 minutes, missing the dedicated stretching portion.

We somehow find time for the workout but convince ourselves that we don’t have time for the stretch.

Those last 10 minutes aren’t an afterthought. They’re part of the workout.

As we age, the goal isn’t simply to exercise harder. The goal is to create a body that allows us to keep moving, keep participating, and keep doing the things we love.

Strength gives us power.
Cardiovascular fitness gives us endurance.
Balance helps keep us on our feet.
Flexibility gives us the freedom to use all three.

Don’t skip the stretch. Your future body will thank you.

All I can say is DON’T DO IT!   

Check out this article in the Chicago Tribune, Stretching Good for Your Arteries