[truexskills]

i've heard that it just "benefits your health" and that you can probably become more flexible from it

but what are some real, noticeable benefits from stretching on a regular basis, particularly if i'm already really flexible? does it help you lose weight...or anything else...

basically, what are the specific benefits? because i'm sure its not like stretching is going to build muscle or increase your cardiovascular fitness..

[kinein]

i've heard that it just "benefits your health" and that you can probably become more flexible from it

but what are some real, noticeable benefits from stretching on a regular basis, particularly if i'm already really flexible? does it help you lose weight...or anything else...

basically, what are the specific benefits? because i'm sure its not like stretching is going to build muscle or increase your cardiovascular fitness..

http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/stretching_benefits.asp

One of the biggest reasons of stretching is for exercise purposes - AFTER to get more blood into the muscles. Though there is a merit to doing some stretch before exercise ( though more injuries occur if taken overboard prior to exercise ). I never EVER had a injury in track & field as a sprinter because I never did stretches pre-running, though I heard enough cross country and track runners tell me about injuries they experienced if they stretched a lot BEFORE exercising. There is a difference between getting ready and stretching too much!

It does not build muscle or increase your fitness - great to maintain flexibility - recommend you keep your flexibility. No it doesn't help you lose weight.

[sugarlessgirl]

these are all based on my experience (and ive done a variety of sports: swimming, soccer, gymnastics, ballet, cheer, etc.)

- the main one would be to prevent injury. and it helps you recover faster from it.
- improves balance (like you were about to fall over, but luckily your leg could stretch so you regained your balance)
- feels damn good
- you can amaze people with your flexibility x2
- helps a little with the soreness after a lot of activity.
- feel more relaxed, can breathe better, more focused, more energy

can you tell i love stretching yet? XD

[Makaveli]

-waits for someone to post that stretching makes you more lean and prevents you from getting bulky no matter what-

[laris]

it's good to stretch before and after. just make sure you're warmed up before you stretch before exercising or else you might tear something.

what's it good for? improving flexibility, improving blood flow to help relieve muscle soreness, and STAYING LEAN WHILE PREVENTING YOU FROM GETTING THAT BULKY APPEARANCE

[soadorkable]

streching is always a benefit i probably strech like 4 to 5 times when i work out .

[glistar]

Stretching gets the fluid in your joints moving. It's called synovial fluid and it's responsible for carrying waste away as well as lubricating your joints.

[k o o k i e.]

stretching is good when exercising so that you don't pull a muscle

oh and yeah, stretching a lot does make you more flexible. like touching your toes or something.

[ciindyy]

stretching without a good warm up before exercise is no use
warm up + stretching gets the muscles warm and ready for exercise and movement, and the risk of tearing or pulling a muscle is reduced.
stretching and warm up before exercise also reduces muscle fatigue after your exercise or the day after.
say you ran a cross country without warm up or stretching, you won't be able to get off the bed the next morning
:]

[kh00]

Stretching helps keep your blood flow consistent, mostly when working out.
Also prevents sprains, and breaking bones during workouts

[THE BIGAKU]

It helps you to become flexible, prevents injuries and plateau.