We know that regular exercise will improve the quality of our lives, improve and maintain our health and maybe increase our life spans. We are diligently walking, swimming, jogging, playing tennis and other sports. Part of what we call aging is actually loss of flexibility. If you've ever had difficulty getting out of a car, reaching overhead or bending over, you know what inflexibility feels like. If you have arthritis, emphysema, osteoporosis or back or knee problems that limit your movement, you know the feeling.
Flexibility is range of motion.
By carefully stretching our joints, we can make a vital difference in how well they function. When you can do the activities of daily living and the things you enjoy without difficulty, you have flexible, stretched joints. Stretching cold muscles may do more harm than good. Exercise to warm the muscles before stretching. Stretching should not be painful.