Is stretching now underrated? Accumulating research says yes.  A 2020 on exercise and mortality study found that stretching was uniquely associated with a lower risk for all-cause mortality among American adults. That’s after controlling for participation in other types of exercise. 

The finding seemed like a fluke, until a 2023 study found essentially the same thing. Those who did flexibility exercise at least five times a week had a 20% lower risk of dying during the follow-up period than those who didn’t stretch at all. That was slightly better than the risk reduction associated with high volumes of aerobic exercise and resistance training. 

The study went on to include these additional stretching benefits.

Stretching Benefit # 1: More Strength

Stretching Benefit # 2: Reduced Arterial Stiffness

Stretching Benefit # 3: Improved Performance 

Stretching Benefit # 4: Fewer Injuries

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More Flexibility Research

To live longer, get to know your toes!

The more flexible you are as you age, the longer you’re likely to live.

That’s the conclusion of a new study that associated increased flexibility in middle age with a lower odds of mortality over the next dozen or so years.

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