As impressive as it is watching Cirque Du Solei perform is, for most of us we have no real need to be that flexible. Whew… ! That being said, a flexible body can reduce most common causes for muscle aches, joint pain and back issues, not to mention aid in good posture.
Adding a full body stretching routine, like Pilates or Yoga can greatly increase the functional ability of your body so you can perform tasks more easily, be more physically active and independent with age.
Even some simple desk stretches can be done for a few minutes through-out the day and be extremely beneficial. Of course even better is stretching after movement, like a run or bike ride by preparing your muscles, warming them up with the increased circulation.
When stretching remember to breathe, it is so easy to forget but will help immensely. Never stretch into pain, a little discomfort is common. Always hold a stretch for 20-60secs and never bounce. And when you finish you should feel good and open, maybe a bit lighter and taller, not hurt and beat up.
Your goal may be a humble as tying up your shoelaces or as extreme as gunning for Olympic Gold in figure skating…either way you will enjoy the benefits of stretching.