Fitness & exerciseGeneral wellness

5 science-backed reasons to stretch every day

If done right, a stretching routine can strengthen your mind and body.

Jan, 2026
LearnSpine health5 science-backed reasons to stretch every day
Slide 1
Stretching improves blood flow
Stretching increases mobility and range of motion
Stretching may boost your emotional health
Stretching reduces injury risk
Stretching can help you get better sleep
Commit to 15 minutes a day
How to stretch correctly

1 of 8

Slide 1

Regular stretching isn’t just for yogis or marathoners—it can benefit almost everyone. The habit could help you sleep, reduce the risk of injury, and much more.

Busy schedules can make it tough to add yet another task to your list, but all you need is a few minutes of daily stretching to get the advantages. “As long as you’re getting in a 10- to 15-minute stretch session per day, you’ll see the benefits stretching has to offer,” says certified athletic trainer Michael Payne of Doctors Hospital of Augusta in Georgia.

Here are five benefits of stretching, safety tips, plus easy ways you can incorporate this important habit into your life starting today.

Written byOlivia DeLong.
Medically reviewed byMegan Burke, MD.November, 2024
Sources: Warneke K + 19
  1. Warneke K, Konrad A, et al. Using Daily Stretching to Counteract Performance Decreases as a Result of Reduced Physical Activity-A Controlled Trial. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Nov 23;19(23):15571.
  2. Miller T. Why stretching is more important than you think? The Ohio State University. Published August 10, 2017.
  3. Harvard Health Publishing. Leg stretching may improve blood flow and prevent strokes. Published October 1, 2020.
  4. Rijnberg FM, Hazekamp MG, et al. Energetics of blood flow in cardiovascular disease: Concept and clinical implications of adverse energetics in patients with a fontan circulation. Circulation. 2018;137(22):2393-2407.
  5. Mayo Clinic. Stretching: Focus on flexibility. Published February 12, 2022.
  6. Marcucci L, Reggiani C. Increase of resting muscle stiffness, a less considered component of age-related skeletal muscle impairment. Eur J Transl Myol. 2020;30(2):8982.
  7. Do Y, Lall PS, Lee H. Assessing the effects of aging on muscle stiffness using shear wave elastography and myotonometer. Healthcare (Basel). 2021;9(12):1733.
  8. Cleveland Clinic. Dealing with common aches and pains as we age with Dr. Donald Ford. Published November 21, 2018.
  9. Penn Medicine. Sciatica. Last reviewed July 25, 2020.
  10. Arizona Center on Aging. Range of motion in older adults. Accessed November 19, 2022.
  11. HelpGuide.org. Relaxation Techniques for Stress Relief. Last updated December 5, 2022.
  12. Kim SH, Schneider SM, et al. PTSD symptom reduction with mindfulness-based stretching and deep breathing exercise: randomized controlled clinical trial of efficacy. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2013 Jul;98(7):2984-92.
  13. Columbine Health Systems Center for Healthy Aging. The simple act of stretching. Published June 23, 2021.
  14. Timothy Miller, MD. Why stretching is more important than you think. The Ohio State University. October 20, 2017.
  15. American Council on Exercise. Benefits of flexibility. Published April 21, 2022.
  16. Mayo Clinic. Aerobic exercise: How to warm up and cool down. October 6, 2021.
  17. MIT.edu. How to Stretch. Accessed December 15, 2022.
  18. Arthritis Foundation. 7 Dynamic Warm-Ups. Accessed December 15, 2022.
  19. Ribaudo A, Alva S. 10 stretches to do before bed to improve your sleep. Hospital for Special Surgery. Published January 19, 2021.
  20. Bramble, L. Static vs. Dynamic Stretching: What are they and which should you do? Hospital for Special Surgery. Published April 19, 2021.

Recommended for you

5 essential reasons to exercise today
Slideshow
How important is stretching when exercising?
Video
Best ways to stretch your neck and shoulders
Article
How increasing your flexibility improves heart health
Article
5 stretches that can help relieve stiff winter posture
Video
AskMDHow can I be more consistent?
AskMd LogoAskMd Logo
Privacy policyConsumer health data privacyTerms of use
Cookie policyYour privacy choices

© 2026 Sharecare, Inc.