Stretching and Flexibility

Stretching is one of the easiest – and best – things you can do to improve your overall health, flexibility and posture. And it's a great stress-relieving activity, too!

No matter what your age, size or fitness level, stretching helps to rid the body of numerous aches, pains, and feelings of stress or exhaustion. Even if you are not able to keep up a regular exercise schedule, you should make time to stretch as often as possible.

Here are some tips to get you started:

Try stretching during the work day. If you sit at a desk or use a computer during your work day, chances are you carry some tension in different muscles. Doing some simple stretches at your desk can help you stay limber, alert and stress-free. Learn more about the stretching exercises you can do right now at your desk.
Improve overall health with regular stretching. One of the best things about stretching is that it does not require a ton of time and effort, but the benefits are still great. Just some of the benefits of stretching include:
- Reduced muscle tension
- Improved muscle tone
- Lower stress levels
- Increased coordination and flexibility
- Increased blood circulation, which improves energy levels
- More successful workouts
Learn more about how you can fit stretching and exercise into your busy schedule.

Do I need to stretch?

Myth:
Stretching is only necessary if I'm working out or if I'm an athlete.

Fact:
Everyone can benefit from stretching. Daily activities like sitting at a desk, carrying items to and from work or even riding in your car – can cause tightening in muscles that affect your posture. Poor posture can lead to pain and discomfort. When you stretch out, you improve your body's flexibility, and good flexibility improves posture.

If you walk, run or work out regularly, stretching increases your range of motion, allowing you to perform better by improving agility and speed. And more flexibility in the hip flexors and quads gives you a more efficient stride.

Abbott can help you make healthy lifestyle changes

If you want some help creating a plan to start a stretching routine, talk with a personal Health Coach. Your Health Coach can help you identify ways to fit exercise and stretching into your routine. To learn more about Health Coaching, call Healthways at (877) 292-1373 (Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to midnight ET, and Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET).
Start by walking! Abbott's 10K-A-Day motivational walking program is designed to help you start walking with the goal of eventually taking 10,000 steps each day. Registration for the program is open year-round. Sign up and start improving your health today!