No stretching of the truth here: these easy,gentle moves are worth spending time on
Photograph Alamy
Most of us perform a half-hearted half-heartedstretch before and/or after a workout, but doing a separate, dedicated stretching session? Not likely. Yet done properly – and regularly – it brings huge benefits. ‘Regular stretching improves flexibility and increases your range of motion which, in turn, not only helps to improve posture and exercise performance, but also reduces muscle soreness, aches and niggles,’ says Gysai Dowey, personal trainer at Speedflex gym, London (speedflex.com). ‘Away from exercise, it also complements everyday activities, from walking to maintaining a healthy posture at your desk.’
Why should I bother?